Qatar Airways expands connectivity with rapid deployment of Starlink Wi-Fi across fleet

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Qatar Airways expands connectivity with rapid deployment of Starlink Wi-Fi across fleet

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Qatar Airways | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Mar 3, 2025

Qatar Airways, ranked the world's best airline in 2024 by Skytrax, has announced that it equipped its 30th Boeing 777 with Starlink Wi-Fi. In December 2024, Qatar launched a Boeing 777 Starlink-enabled route to Toronto soon after initiating its first Starlink-enabled flight to London. Passengers can now experience uninterrupted connectivity on an expanding list of routes, with all Boeing 777s set for upgrade by mid-2025 and A350s following thereafter.

"This [Starlink roll-out] will allow more passengers to stay connected free of charge throughout their journey, streaming their favourite shows and live sports, enjoying online gaming, or working seamlessly at 35,000 feet," said Qatar Airways.

The roll-out is proceeding ahead of schedule. As of February 26, 2025, just four months since the launch of the first Boeing 777 Starlink-enabled flight— the world's first—it has been reported that over half of Qatar Airways' fleet of Triple Sevens are now equipped with Starlink terminals. The installation process has been streamlined to just nine and a half hours per aircraft.

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Following the completion of the Boeing 777 fleet upgrade by summer 2025, attention will turn towards equipping the Airbus A350 fleet once Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval is received in the second quarter of 2025. Qatar also plans to install Starlink on its Boeing Dreamliner

"However," noted Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al- Meer in February "once we got involved we managed to get everybody on board. We agreed on a solution. "

"With Starlink Wi-Fi available on select Boeing aircraft you can now enjoy high-speed low-latency internet for free," added another statement from Qatar Airways.

Speaking at Web Summit Doha event Engr.Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are delivering on our commitment providing best in-flight connectivity at an unprecedented pace."

Qatar claims it is now "the largest global airline offering high-speed”Internet onboard". Other airlines aren't far behind though; United Airlines isexpediting its roll-out while British Airways' parent IAG holds talks regardingin-flight WiFi solutions.

SpaceX's project involves thousands upon thousands small satellites intended provide almost anywhere including remote areas previously lacked access high- speed WiFi.

Commercial aircraft approved include Airbus A321neo among others while some notable missing entries consist Jumbo Jet Superjumbo respectively although future developments might address these gaps eventually especially considering potential implications competitors such as Emirates relying heavily latter type limited alternative options available passengers chat using various messaging platforms modest fees longer durations slightly higher costs depending length specific flights China's new COMAC entered service lacks necessary certifications expected surprising given context overall conclusion remains clear taking place pioneering offering starting approximately strong receiving Certificates plans install soon certificates obtained continuing push forward industry-leading initiatives ensuring customers remain connected altitude possible