Qatar Airways has become the first airline to offer Starlink satellite internet on a Boeing 777 aircraft, marking a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity.
The inaugural Starlink-equipped flight operated between Doha and London on October 22.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer announced ambitious expansion plans.
“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,” Al-Meer said.
The airline plans to equip 12 Boeing 777-300s with Starlink by the end of 2024.
The carrier aims to extend the service across its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025, followed by its Airbus A350 fleet.
Passengers can access free high-speed internet from gate to gate.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on the system’s potential for improvement.
“Overtime you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here,” Musk said.
The airline achieved several industry firsts with the launch, including the first Starlink installation on a widebody Boeing aircraft.
Qatar Airways is the first and largest carrier in the Middle East and North Africa region to offer the service.
The press release was transmitted from the inaugural flight at 35,000 feet using the Starlink system.
