DOHA- Qatar Airways (QR) has become the first airline in the world to enable Starlink connectivity on the Boeing 787-8, extending its leadership in in-flight broadband innovation. The rollout reinforces the carrier’s position as the largest operator of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft.
Operating through its hub at Hamad International Airport, Doha (DOH), Qatar Airways now has nearly 120 widebody aircraft fitted with Starlink. More than 11 million passengers have already experienced free, gate-to-gate high-speed Wi-Fi since the service launched in October 2024.
Qatar Airways Installs Starlink on 787
Qatar Airways is advancing at a pace unmatched in global aviation. Within just 14 months, the airline completed Starlink installations across its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleets, then expanded the programme to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family.
In December 2025, the carrier equipped its entire Airbus A350 fleet in a record-breaking eight months. It also secured the world’s first Starlink certification for the Boeing 787-8, marking another industry milestone.
Today, three Starlink-enabled Dreamliners are already in operation, contributing to a widebody fleet where more than 58 percent offer ultra-high-speed connectivity.
This achievement strengthens Qatar Airways’ role as the global launch customer of the Airbus A350 and the operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped A350 fleet.
Passenger Experience at Unmatched Speeds
Starlink delivers internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps onboard, supporting uninterrupted streaming, video calls, and real-time work throughout the flight. The service is offered free of charge and available from gate to gate, subject to local regulations.
Qatar Airways’ Starlink-equipped aircraft now operate across long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes, including most destinations in the Americas and Australia, along with major routes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
In 2025 alone, Starlink connected more than 21 million airline passengers worldwide. Over 10 million of those traveled with Qatar Airways, accounting for nearly half of all global Starlink-enabled airline passengers.
Operational Gains Beyond the Cabin
Starlink is also reshaping internal airline operations. Crew members receive instant flight and roster updates, improving coordination across journeys. Cabin crews can communicate with ground teams in real time during medical or service-related events, supporting faster decisions and reduced delays.
Engineering teams can monitor in-flight entertainment systems while aircraft are airborne and prepare corrective actions before landing. This capability improves turnaround times and operational efficiency across the network.
Qatar Airways remains the world’s largest operator of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft and the first airline in the MENA region to deploy the technology at scale. These advances complement its recognition as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, along with top rankings for Business Class and airport lounge experience.
With more than 170 destinations served via Doha, the airline continues to combine network reach with technology-driven passenger and operational benefits.
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