Flydubai is to install Starlink on its aircraft to offer free and fast Wi-Fi, with the Dubai airline joining Emirates in providing the service to boost inflight connectivity.
Starlink is set to be added to the low-cost airline’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, with installation for 100 planes to be carried out in 2026, flydubai said in a statement at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday. It expects to bring the service to the majority of its fleet next year.
The service will deliver "high-speed, low-latency broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls", the airline added.
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A display by the Airbus 350 at the Dubai Airshow. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The event is attracting lots of delegates to Al Maktoum International Airport -
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and group, at a media conference at the event -
The Rafale fighter jet is worth a watch as it takes to the skies above Dubai -
Brad McMullen, left, from Boeing and Yankoba Dieme from Air Senagal sign an agreement -
An air defence system on display -
The UAE's Al Fursan aerobatic team put on a display -
Emirates cabin crew arrive -
The Omen drone is displayed at the Edge stand -
Visitors arrive for the event, which is pivotal for airlines in the Middle East -
Abu Dhabi's Edge is among the companies exhibiting technology at the event -
A turboprop engine. Companies use the event to meet plane makers, engine manufacturers and seat suppliers -
Visitors take a closer look at an Emirates Boeing 777 -
A model of a MAH-1 Marine attack helicopter. It is among the aircraft in the spotlight at the exhibition -
A spacesuit worn by SpaceX astronauts -
Model rockets at the Innospace stand. Space technology is in focus at the air show
The agreement is part of "our ongoing efforts to elevate the travel experience, providing fast, reliable internet access across our growing network", said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive of flydubai. "Reliable connectivity has become essential and our partnership with Starlink allows us to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers."
This week, Emirates also announced a partnership with Starlink, with the airline expecting to complete the full programme by mid-2027 on all of its 232 Boeing and Airbus wide-body aircraft.
While the UAE has not yet announced regulatory approval or agreements for satellite operators such as Starlink to begin operations in the country, the service will start on aircraft shortly after take-off.
“Fast, free internet isn’t just a game-changer for our customers, it also gives our crew the real-time data and information they need," said Daniel Kerrison, senior vice president of inflight operations at flydubai.
Flydubai has been investing in premium products and services to expand beyond the low-cost business model it established when it began operations in June 2009.
Last month, the airline said that, from November, it will include meals and in-flight entertainment for passengers in economy class. The Dubai-based carrier said the change marked a major step in its ongoing investment in customer service and product development.
In the past few years, flydubai has also introduced a dedicated business class check-in area and opened a business class lounge at Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport.
