Qatar Airways has recently launched Starlink Wi-Fi on one of its aircraft, a Boeing 777, marking the airline’s first integration of satellite-based internet. This aircraft completed a Doha-to-London flight earlier this week, becoming the first of the airline’s fleet to employ the technology from Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Starlink announced the debut via a social media post, revealing that the service is now operational on the Boeing 777 and will soon be accessible to all passengers aboard Qatar Airways. This launch aligns with Qatar Airways’ broader initiative to equip its entire fleet with Starlink technology for passenger use. The airline emphasized its status as the largest carrier in the MENA region to offer this ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet service to travelers.
Qatar Airways’ rollout is concurrent with partnerships Starlink has established with other airlines, such as United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air France, and Air New Zealand, as well as some cruise lines. During a video call using Starlink technology, Elon Musk discussed the advancements with Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer, who was on board the inaugural flight, alongside Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji. The conversation, captured by Qatar Airways, was shared with FOX Business.
Musk conveyed optimism about the continual improvements of the Starlink service. According to Qatar Airways, the Boeing 777 equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi will be operational on selected routes, with the service being offered to passengers at no additional charge.
By the end of the year, a total of twelve Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300s will feature Starlink, an increase from the previously planned three. Full integration of the service on all Boeing 777 planes is expected by 2025, followed by installations on Airbus A350 aircraft later that summer.
Qatar Airways’ commercial fleet consists of various Airbus and Boeing models, including A320s, A350s, A380s, 737 MAXs, and 787s. The airline first announced its intention to incorporate Starlink internet into its aircraft at the end of May. Starlink Engineering Vice President Mike Nicolls remarked that high-speed, low-latency internet represents the future of aviation connectivity, and he expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Qatar Airways to implement this service by the year’s end.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet and has been deployed in over 100 countries, serving millions worldwide.