Emirates now offers uninterrupted Wi-Fi, mobile connectivity, and Live TV streaming for passengers traveling to the United States—even while soaring above the North Pole and Arctic Circle at 40,000 feet.
Renowned for pioneering inflight technology, Emirates ensures every aircraft in its fleet is equipped for high-speed Wi-Fi, voice calls, and messaging. Historically, travelers crossing polar routes to the US experienced up to four hours of connectivity blackout, as traditional geostationary satellites—positioned over the equator—could not reach these high-latitude flight paths due to the Earth's curvature.
In partnership with Inmarsat, Emirates has addressed this challenge by leveraging state-of-the-art elliptical orbit satellites, which now deliver robust coverage over the polar region as of 2024. This advancement guarantees that passengers remain connected throughout their journey, no matter the latitude.
Additionally, Emirates has expanded its Live TV service, enabling real-time access to global news and major sporting events even above the Arctic. Live TV is now featured on over 200 aircraft, encompassing the full Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets, reflecting the airline's commitment to a superior entertainment experience.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, commented: “This milestone cements Emirates’ position at the forefront of inflight connectivity. By collaborating closely with Inmarsat and our technology partners, we have set a new benchmark for seamless, global inflight service. We remain dedicated to elevating the travel experience through continual investment in the latest technology and infrastructure.”