Emirates is planning to use SpaceX’s Starlink to upgrade the onboard Wi-Fi in its fleet, according to people familiar with the matter, even though the service isn’t currently approved by the government.
The Dubai-based airline — the world’s most profitable — has a widebody fleet of about 250 jets and more than 300 on order from Boeing Co and Airbus SE. The agreement is set to be announced at the Dubai Air Show from Monday, the people said, asking not to be identified because the negotiations are private.
Winning business with Emirates would be an important endorsement for Elon Musk’s product because the carrier is the biggest international airline and is globally recognised for its premium service.
For now, though, the United Arab Emirates isn’t among the countries that authorise the use of Starlink, according to the company, so the deal would require the government to reverse that policy. The internet service also isn’t certified for Emirates’ marquee jet: the double-decker A380.
Emirates and SpaceX didn’t reply to requests for comment.
Qatar Airways was the first carrier in the region to offer Starlink, beginning last year. The Gulf’s No 2 airline is making the product available in its Boeing 777 models and has started retrofitting Airbus A350 jets.
See also: Emirates dashes hope for new Airbus A350 order amid engine woes
SpaceX has pitched Starlink to Gulf Air and Flydubai, and closed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline Saudia, Bloomberg reported in August.
During US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, Musk said the kingdom would authorise Starlink for aviation and maritime use.
Bahrain and Jordan already allow the service, and Lebanon’s Cabinet granted Starlink a licence for internet services.
