By Kavita Mistry 
Emirates is in discussions with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to overhaul the carrier’s internet service as the world’s largest international airline looks to enhance its in-flight Wi-Fi.
The Dubai-based company is considering a deal to fit its widebody jets with SpaceX’s Starlink internet service, according to people familiar with the matter. It’s unclear whether Emirates, which has a widebody fleet of about 250 jets and more than 300 on order from Boeing Co. and Airbus SE, would make the service complimentary or only free to loyalty and premium passengers, said the people, asking not to be identified as the negotiations are confidential.
While more airlines around the world are rolling out the Starlink service on board, winning Emirates would be an important endorsement for the product because the airline has one of the biggest fleets and is globally recognised for its premium service. At the same time, Starlink doesn’t work in China and Russia, two major markets that Emirates serves, meaning the airline would need to consider a workaround or cut the product off over those airspaces.
Starlink is also not certified for Emirates’ signature product, the Airbus A380 double decker. The service does work on Boeing’s 777, a jet that makes up more than half of the airline’s fleet. The Airbus A350, which Emirates has begun adding to its fleet, should receive Starlink approval in the next few weeks, according to its website.
Emirates said it’s committed to the best in-flight service, while declining to comment on the deal. SpaceX didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The carrier is in negotiations over the monthly payments to Starlink, which include a charge for every seat—whether it is occupied or not, one person said. But some fees could come down if the carrier makes concessions including signing on for longer or buying a higher number of units, the person added.
Most passengers on Emirates—which operates some of the longest routes globally—now have to pay for internet packages on board.
The deal is not final and the airline could decide to partner with another provider like Viasat Inc., the people cautioned. For now, Starlink isn’t authorised for use in the United Arab Emirates, and a deal would likely require a reversal of that policy.
Earlier this week, Musk said Saudi Arabia will authorise the use of Starlink for aviation and maritime purposes as part of President Donald Trump’s Riyadh visit. In the region, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan allow the use of Starlink.
The President lands in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, where he is expected to secure $1.4 trillion in deals spanning technology, infrastructure, aerospace and defense. The UAE houses the leading space centre in the region and has struck deals with Musk to use SpaceX’s launchpad for several projects.
Emirates competitor Qatar Airways started rolling out the satellite internet for passengers across its Boeing 777 fleet last year. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s startup carrier that’s set to launch by the end of the year, has partnered with Viasat.
