Emirates Swaps Out Viasat for Starlink on New A350 Deliveries
The Dubai-based carrier is replacing satellite connectivity hardware on incoming Airbus A350-900s before entry into service, marking a strategic shift toward fleet-wide standardization on low Earth orbit technology.
Emirates has begun removing Viasat connectivity equipment from newly delivered Airbus A350-900 aircraft and installing Starlink hardware in its place, according to a report published this week. The modification represents a departure from the airline's original plan to operate multiple satellite internet providers across different aircraft types.
The change allows the carrier to consolidate around a single low Earth orbit architecture rather than maintain separate connectivity systems for different portions of its widebody fleet. While Emirates had previously equipped Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 aircraft with Starlink, the A350 was reportedly expected to feature Viasat technology before the recent decision to standardize.
The move comes as Emirates marks significant traction with its Starlink deployment. The airline disclosed that passengers recorded more than one million Wi-Fi connections and consumed over one petabyte of data within the first seven months of service availability. The connectivity is offered without charge across all cabin classes on equipped aircraft, a contrast to legacy systems that typically required payment or imposed bandwidth restrictions.
Emirates currently operates Starlink on 33 Boeing 777-300ER jets and three Airbus A380s, with more than 60 equipped flights departing Dubai International Airport daily. The carrier has set a target to install the technology across 232 aircraft by mid-2027, which would create one of the largest international widebody fleets using the service.
Installation complexity varies by airframe. The double-deck A380 requires a three-antenna configuration to overcome connectivity challenges posed by the aircraft's unusual size and structure, while smaller widebodies use simpler setups. The technical adaptations reflect the operational commitment required to deliver consistent high-speed internet across an aircraft as large as the superjumbo.
By retrofitting the A350 fleet before passenger service begins, Emirates avoids the costs and scheduling disruptions associated with post-delivery modifications, while ensuring a uniform connectivity experience regardless of which widebody type passengers board.