Qatar Airways has launched the world’s inaugural Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 aircraft from Doha to London, after the announcement earlier this year.
Powered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation, offering reliable, high-speed internet connectivity at 35,000 feet. Passengers can now stay connected with loved ones, stream their favorite entertainment, watch live sports, play online games, or work efficiently, all thanks to Starlink’s simple “one-click-access” feature.
Starlink’s advanced satellite technology ensures reliable internet access even in remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.
With the launch of its first Starlink-equipped flight, Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts, including:
- World’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing Widebody 777
- First Starlink on a Qatar Airways passenger aircraft
- First Starlink-equipped passenger aircraft in the MENA region
- First Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft
- Largest passenger aircraft equipped with Starlink
- Longest range Starlink-equipped passenger aircraft
The airline plans to expand its Starlink-equipped fleet to include 12 Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024 and eventually equip its entire Boeing 777 fleet with Starlink technology by 2025, a year ahead of schedule. The Airbus A350 fleet will follow suit in the summer of 2025.
Regarding this, 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.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, said:
Overtime, you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum, and it only gets better from here.