Qatar Airways made a significant leap in in-flight connectivity on Tuesday, launching its first Boeing 777 flight equipped with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet. The airline aims to roll out high-speed Wi-Fi across its entire fleet by 2025.
To showcase this technological milestone, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Al Meer held a live video call with Musk at 35,000 feet, as the flight traveled from Doha to London. Musk, speaking from his home, highlighted the cutting-edge connectivity, saying, “It’s Starlink across the laser links of the satellites all the way to your aircraft.”
This partnership positions Qatar Airways as a leader in offering free, high-speed internet to all passengers, directly challenging competitors who provide lower-speed, paid, or limited Wi-Fi services. Musk noted that the service will continue to improve as more satellites are launched and software is enhanced, promising passengers an ever-better experience.
By the end of 2024, Qatar Airways plans to equip 12 Boeing 777-300s with Starlink, with full coverage of the Boeing 777 fleet expected in 2025. The Airbus A350 fleet will follow by summer 2025.
Regional First for High-Speed Connectivity
Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East and North Africa to offer Starlink’s low-latency internet, allowing passengers to stream, message, and video call seamlessly. The service will be available from gate to gate and free for all passengers. This move is part of a broader strategic overhaul under the airline’s new leadership, known as “Qatar Airways 2.0.”
The Gulf airline isn’t alone in embracing Starlink technology; Air New Zealand also plans to introduce Starlink on its domestic flights by late 2024, as airlines globally compete to enhance passenger services.
As global air travel demand continues to rise, Qatar Airways is also focusing on expanding its fleet with new orders from Boeing and Airbus. Recent data from IATA shows passenger demand surged 8.6% in August, reflecting the airline industry’s recovery and growth.
