Dubai Airshow 2025: flydubai Adopts Starlink Wi-Fi and Expands Fleet with A321neos, 737 MAXs
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flydubai opened day two of the Dubai Airshow 2025 by announcing Starlink as its in-flight connectivity (IFC) partner. The airline has signed an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink to its entire Boeing 737 fleet, beginning in 2026. The decision signals a significant expansion of flydubai’s digital strategy and positions the carrier as a regional leader in next-generation IFC. flydubai also signed deals with Airbus and Boeing for up to 250 A321neos and 150 737 MAXs, respectively.
“This agreement marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the travel experience.“
– Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai
A New Chapter in flydubai’s Digital Experience
The new partnership will bring Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity service to flydubai’s Boeing 737 fleet, marking a critical step in the airline’s goal to improve customer experience. The airline will install Starlink antennas on 100 aircraft in the first phase, followed by additional installations tied to future fleet growth. Once active, the service will support streaming, online gaming, video calls, messaging, and other real-time digital activity with the same reliability travelers expect on the ground.
flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said, “We are proud to bring Starlink’s cutting edge technology to our customers. This agreement marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the travel experience, providing fast, reliable internet access across our growing network. Reliable connectivity has become essential and our partnership with Starlink allows us to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. As we continue to expand our fleet and network, innovation remains at the heart of our strategy.”
Under the agreement, Starlink will serve as the in-flight Wi-Fi provider for flydubai’s entire fleet. The airline operates to more than 100 destinations and will bring the service to passengers in every cabin. The focus sits on performance, reliability, and availability across the full network.
Reliable connectivity has become essential and our partnership with Starlink allows us to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers.”
– Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai
SpaceX VP Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said, “We are excited to team up with flydubai and bring Starlink to its entire fleet and deliver connectivity that is similar, if not better, than what you experience in your own home. Starlink is committed to providing seamless internet on board so passengers and crew have improved and memorable experiences as they work and travel.”
The airline also announced that Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova inflight entertainment system will debut on its incoming Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Each of the thirty 787-9 aircraft on order will include 4K OLED screens, fast USB-C charging, and Bluetooth pairing at every seat. Astrova will support richer content and a more intuitive interface that keeps entertainment feeling modern and personal. The system also enables programmable lighting and real time content updates, giving crews better tools to maintain a comfortable cabin throughout the flight.
Aircraft Orders: Fuel for Growth and Fleet Diversification
Alongside the connectivity news, flydubai made major announcements at the Dubai Airshow 2025 regarding its fleet strategy. The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, with options for 100 more, valued at approximately US$24 billion. Deliveries of the new aircraft will begin in 2031. This order marks the first time flydubai has placed a major commitment outside its long relationship with Boeing.
At the same time, the airline also struck a deal with Boeing for 75 more 737 MAX aircraft, with options for another 75, valued at about $13 billion. This dual-track approach signals a deliberate choice by flydubai to grow its fleet while diversifying its supplier base.
The A321neo gives flydubai more range, more seats, and greater efficiency than the older aircraft it replaces. That allows the airline to launch new routes and carry more passengers within a single-aisle model. The additional 737 MAX aircraft help the airline build on what it already does well, reducing cost and complexity on pilot training and maintenance.
flydubai currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 aircraft, including 27 Boeing 737 800, 66 Boeing 737 MAX 8, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9.