Qatar Airways is making significant strides in enhancing its passengers’ in-flight experience by expanding its use of Starlink’s satellite internet service.
The airline recently reached a milestone by equipping half of its Boeing fleet with Starlink, a high-speed, low-latency internet solution.
This move comes just four months after the airline introduced the world’s first Boeing 777 flight with Starlink on board.
Rapid Rollout and Faster Installations
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Starlink initially began with the installation of Starlink internet on select Boeing 777 aircraft.
By the end of 2024, the airline had successfully equipped 12 Boeing 777-300s with this cutting-edge technology.
But the ambition didn’t stop there; Qatar Airways has now expanded the service to additional aircraft models across its fleet.
What’s even more impressive is the airline’s ability to accelerate the installation process.
What used to take between two and three days to complete per aircraft has now been reduced to just 9.5 hours.
Originally, the airline had planned for a two-year timeline to complete the integration of Starlink across its entire Boeing 777 fleet, but now they expect to finish the process by the second quarter of 2025.
Providing Unmatched Connectivity for Passengers
The rapid pace of this rollout is a testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing its passengers with the best in-flight connectivity.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the group CEO of Qatar Airways, expressed his pride in the airline’s achievement, highlighting that they have exceeded initial targets by installing the service on 30 aircraft in just four months.
“Starlink Wi-Fi is a game-changer for our passengers, offering seamless video streaming, gaming, and video calls while in the air,” said Al-Meer.
He added that the airline’s team’s efficiency and dedication have played a significant role in the quick success of the rollout.
Starlink’s satellite technology provides airlines with high-speed, low-latency internet, allowing passengers to enjoy a connected experience that was once thought to be impossible during flights.
The Future of In-Flight Connectivity
With the ongoing expansion of Starlink across more of its aircraft, Qatar Airways is set to offer uninterrupted connectivity on even more routes in the near future.
This development not only enhances the passenger experience but also places Qatar Airways at the forefront of in-flight technological innovation.
As the airline continues to roll out Starlink services, one has to wonder—could we soon see this revolutionary technology taking off in other regions, like South Africa? Would Starlink be a game-changer for local airlines and passengers alike?