Qatar Airways says it has crossed a significant threshold in its push to deliver high speed inflight internet, equipping more than 100 of its widebody aircraft with Starlink connectivity.
The airline, which has been racing to install the satellite based service across its long haul fleet, now operates what it describes as one of the fastest rollouts in commercial aviation as carriers compete to modernize digital services for passengers.
The programme has moved faster than originally planned, following the debut of the world’s first Starlink equipped Boeing 777 in October 2024. Since then, Qatar Airways has flown more than 30,000 flights with the technology across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas.
With more than half of its widebody fleet already outfitted, the airline says passengers can now expect uninterrupted, gate to gate Wi Fi on hundreds of long haul and ultra long haul journeys each day.
“Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry by setting new benchmarks with action, and not just intent. We have expedited our Starlink rollout, which is now advancing ahead of schedule as Qatar Airways brings the best travel experience to our passengers as an immediate priority, not a future ambition,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, told Afcacia.
He added: “Equipping over 100 widebody aircraft since the launch of our first Starlink-equipped flight in October 2024 reflects this commitment. We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected, ensuring passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services. Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”
The airline says it has completed installation across its Boeing 777 fleet and is close to finishing the same work on its Airbus A350s, a process it expects to conclude in what it calls record time. As Qatar Airways extends Starlink service to its network of more than 170 global destinations, passengers in all cabins now have access to free, high speed, gate to gate connectivity.
Qatar Airways remains the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa offering Starlink inflight service and the operator with the largest number of Starlink equipped widebody aircraft worldwide. The technology, which supports streaming, gaming and remote work at cruising altitude, has become central to the airline’s pitch to both business and leisure travelers who expect always on connectivity even at 35,000 feet.