Qatar Airways has made aviation history by launching the world’s first Boeing 777 flight equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, offering passengers ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet access at 35,000 feet.
This move cements Qatar Airways as the leader in in-flight connectivity and passenger experience, aligning with its status as the “World’s Best Airline” for 2024.
On October 22, the inaugural flight from Doha to London marked the airline’s entry into a new era of connectivity, where passengers can stream shows, watch live sports, play online games, or work efficiently — all for free. Starlink, SpaceX’s advanced satellite internet service, is set to be installed across Qatar Airways’ entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025, a year ahead of schedule, with the Airbus A350 fleet following shortly after.
This technological leap makes Qatar Airways the first carrier in the MENA region to offer Starlink connectivity, with plans to have 12 Boeing 777s equipped by the end of 2024. The move reinforces the airline’s dedication to providing cutting-edge experiences and making air travel more connected and enjoyable.
Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said, “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry.
“This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll-out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel.
“By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.”
Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals. “Overtime you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here,” said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Qatar Airways’ Starlink-equipped aircraft set multiple industry firsts, including being the largest and longest-range passenger aircraft with Starlink, and the first in the MENA region to offer this level of connectivity. This innovation not only enhances passenger experience but also sets a new benchmark for the aviation industry’s digital future.
Passengers can expect more Starlink-equipped flights on select routes, as the airline rapidly expands the service, bringing the future of air travel closer to the present.
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