DOHA- Qatar Airways (QR) is poised to make aviation history as it finalizes Starlink installations across its Boeing 777 fleet and prepares to become the first airline worldwide to equip Airbus A350 aircraft with the same technology.
Flying from its Doha (DOH) hub, the carrier continues to pioneer next-generation connectivity in the skies.
Qatar Airways A350 Starlink
The rapid rollout has already enabled over 6,000 flights with gate-to-gate high-speed WiFi, with 80% of the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet now equipped.
This April, Qatar Airways begins extending this complimentary service to its A350 fleet, further solidifying its position as the largest global airline offering Starlink’s in-flight internet capabilities.
Qatar Airways’ ambitious Starlink installation program represents one of the fastest and most comprehensive deployments in aviation history.
The strategic decision to extend this technology to the A350 fleet demonstrates the airline’s commitment to providing consistent, high-quality connectivity across its most important international routes.
Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
We are just a few aircraft away from completing a full fleet-wide upgrade of our Boeing 777s with Starlink connectivity—an industry-first for a widebody fleet of this scale. In April, we will become the first airline in the world to begin equipping the Airbus A350 with Starlink, taking another bold step in our journey of redefining connectivity in the skies.”
Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO
Strategic Implementation
Qatar Airways has carefully orchestrated its Starlink deployment to avoid service interruptions, ensuring that aircraft installations are seamlessly integrated into regular maintenance schedules. This strategic approach has allowed the airline to maintain its robust flight schedule while progressively enhancing the onboard experience.
The A350, as one of the most advanced passenger aircraft in service today, represents an ideal platform for Starlink’s capabilities. Featuring on many of Qatar Airways’ premium long-haul routes, these aircraft connect passengers to key destinations across the globe, now with the added benefit of reliable high-speed internet access throughout their journey.
As the “World’s Best Airline” according to the 2024 Skytrax awards, Qatar Airways continues to differentiate itself through technological innovation.
The complimentary Starlink service enables passengers to stream content, participate in video conferences, play online games, and remain productive throughout their flight—capabilities that were previously limited or impossible on most airlines.
Airlines Using or Considering Starlink
Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, has significantly transformed in-flight connectivity by providing high-speed internet services to various airlines. This advancement allows passengers to enjoy seamless online experiences comparable to ground-based connections. Below is an overview of airlines that have integrated or are planning to integrate Starlink Wi-Fi into their fleets:
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines was among the pioneers in adopting Starlink’s satellite internet service. The airline has equipped its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft with Starlink, offering passengers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. This service enables activities such as streaming, online gaming, and real-time communications during flights. The integration of Starlink has notably enhanced the passenger experience by providing reliable and fast internet connectivity.
JSX
JSX, a public charter operator, was the first carrier to implement Starlink across its entire fleet of Embraer E135 and E145 aircraft. This integration allows JSX to offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to its passengers, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity in the regional airline sector.
Qatar Airways
In October 2024, Qatar Airways launched its Starlink-powered Wi-Fi service on a Boeing 777-300ER flight from Doha to Toronto. The airline plans to equip its entire Boeing 777 fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025 and commence installations on its Airbus A350 aircraft starting mid-2025. Passengers have reported impressive download speeds exceeding 200 Mbps, facilitating seamless streaming and communication.
Airlines Planning to Implement Starlink Wi-Fi
Several other airlines have announced plans to integrate Starlink into their fleets:
- Air France: Starting in the summer of 2025, Air France will begin equipping its aircraft with Starlink technology, aiming to enhance the in-flight experience with high-speed internet access.
- Air New Zealand: The airline has initiated plans to install Starlink on two of its domestic aircraft by late 2024, with intentions to expand the service across its fleet subsequently.
- United Airlines: United has partnered with SpaceX to provide free Wi-Fi on its flights using Starlink, with testing beginning in early 2025 and full implementation expected later this year.
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): SAS has expressed interest in adopting Starlink to enhance its in-flight connectivity offerings across its fleet by the end of 2025.
- WestJet: The Canadian carrier is exploring the integration of Starlink to provide passengers with improved internet services during flights.
- Zipair: The Japanese low-cost carrier has shown interest in implementing Starlink to offer enhanced connectivity options to its passengers.
Few carriers are in early talks with SpaceX to install Starlink high-speed internet services on their aircraft.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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