Qatar Airways has taken a giant leap forward in air travel innovation, launching the world's first Boeing 777 equipped with Elon Musk's Starlink internet service.
Passengers on the Doha-to-London flight on October 22, 2024 experienced seamless, high-speed internet connectivity at 35,000 feet, ushering in a new era for in-flight services.
The airline is setting a new global benchmark for connectivity in the skies, as this pioneering service, provided by SpaceX's Starlink, is now available on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 fleet. Over the next year, the airline plans to offer the service fleet-wide, with the Airbus A350 following suit by mid-2025.
Starlink internet on Qatar Airways fleet
Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to introduce Starlink, SpaceX’s groundbreaking satellite internet system. This move places Qatar Airways ahead of the competition, bringing free, ultra-high-speed internet to all passengers. Unlike the spotty, often paid internet options on most airlines, Starlink allows travellers to stream movies, play online games, make video calls, and even work efficiently—without interruption.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasised: “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.”
Which aircraft are equipped?
The first Starlink-equipped aircraft was Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777, setting new industry milestones. The airline plans to install the system across 12 Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024, with full coverage of the 777 fleet by 2025. Following this, the Airbus A350s will be equipped by the summer of 2025, a year ahead of the original plan. This commitment cements Qatar Airways' leadership in aviation innovation.
How does Starlink work?
Starlink operates through a network of satellites in low Earth orbit, designed and operated by SpaceX. These satellites provide reliable, high-speed internet access, even in remote areas and over oceans. Passengers can enjoy internet speeds of up to 350 Mbps, which support high-definition streaming, online gaming, and real-time communication, all available from gate to gate.
During the inaugural flight, passengers experienced Starlink in action as Qatar Airways CEO Al-Meer made a live video call to Elon Musk, demonstrating the system’s capabilities. Musk praised the service and teased that it would only improve in the future: “This is the minimum, and it only gets better from here,” Musk said.
Why is this a game-changer?
Qatar Airways’ decision to offer Starlink across its fleet is a significant milestone in the competitive airline industry. While many airlines still charge for basic internet services or limit access based on passenger status, Qatar Airways is offering the service free of charge to all passengers. This initiative gives the airline a distinct edge, especially as global demand for seamless in-flight connectivity continues to rise.
“We launched new satellites and keep improving the software. Over time, you’ll find it just gets better and better,” Musk added during the video call. This constant improvement highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to offering top-tier in-flight experiences.
When can you experience Starlink on Qatar Airways?
The Starlink-equipped aircraft will initially fly select routes, including the flagship Doha-to-London service, with plans for wider rollouts by the end of 2024. As Starlink becomes available across the fleet, more passengers will have access to high-speed, reliable connectivity on long-haul and regional flights, making Qatar Airways a leader in digital transformation in aviation.
Industry firsts achieved by Qatar Airways
With the launch of its first Starlink-equipped flight, Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts, including:
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World’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing Widebody 777
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First Starlink on Qatar Airways passenger aircraft
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First Starlink-equipped passenger aircraft in the MENA region
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First Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft
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Largest passenger aircraft equipped with Starlink
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Longest-range Starlink-equipped passenger aircraft
As Qatar Airways rolls out Starlink, other airlines are not far behind in the race for in-flight internet supremacy. New Zealand’s national carrier, Air New Zealand, has also announced plans to introduce Starlink by the end of 2024. However, Qatar Airways remains the first in its region and one of the few globally to offer such a comprehensive, free service, giving it a substantial competitive advantage.