Qatar Airways launches world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight

Qatar Airways has significantly advanced the future of in-flight connectivity by operating the world’s inaugural Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 on the route from Doha to London on Tuesday, October 22.

This remarkable accomplishment positions Qatar Airways, recognized as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, as a foremost leader in the integration of cutting-edge technology within the aviation sector.

The airline stands as the largest and pioneering carrier in the MENA region to furnish its passengers with the benefits of Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet service. Starlink is available at no cost to all passengers and is operational from gate to gate.

The national airline of the State of Qatar is poised to surpass its preliminary goal of incorporating three Starlink-equipped aircraft by augmenting its fleet with 12 upgraded Boeing 777-300s featuring this groundbreaking service by the conclusion of 2024.

Qatar Airways has additionally pledged to extend this technology across its entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025, achieving this milestone one year ahead of the previously established timeline, with the Airbus A350 fleet set to follow in the summer of 2025.

This pivotal initiative underscores Qatar Airways’ dedication to closing the connectivity divide between airborne travel and terrestrial communication by providing ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet access.

Developed by SpaceX, Starlink represents the world’s first and most extensive satellite constellation operating in low Earth orbit, which will facilitate reliable, high-speed internet for passengers, enabling them to maintain connections with friends and family, stream preferred content, view live sports, engage in online gaming, or conduct work efficiently at an altitude of 35,000 feet – all at no cost and with a straightforward ‘one-click-access’.

Commenting on the development, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.

In his remarks, 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”.