Qatar Airways, has announced a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity with the launch of its first Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service. The first flight, operating between Doha and London on October 22, 2024, marked the start of Qatar Airways’ plans to introduce ultra-fast, low-latency internet across its fleet.

Passengers on the Starlink-equipped flights will now enjoy free, high-speed internet from the moment they board until they disembark, enabling them to stream entertainment, engage in online gaming, or work seamlessly at cruising altitudes. This move positions Qatar Airways as the first airline in the Middle East region to offer Starlink connectivity. 

By the end of 2024, the airline plans to equip 12 Boeing 777-300s with Starlink, and by 2025, it will extend the service to its entire Boeing 777 fleet, with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of that year.

How does Starlink work?

Starlink, engineered by SpaceX, relies on a network of low Earth orbit satellites to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access, even in remote areas and across oceans. The service provides passengers with simple, one-click access to connectivity that allows them to remain in touch with friends and family or access work tasks in real-time.

Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “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.”

The introduction of Starlink marks several industry firsts for Qatar Airways, including being the first airline to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing widebody 777 and the first in the Middle East region to offer the service. These innovations underscore Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and enhancing passenger connectivity at 35,000 feet.

As the airline expands its Starlink service to more routes, passengers can expect to experience Star Link internet and other Qatar Airways inflight service. 

Analysis 

     This year alone we have seen multiple airlines announce Starlink. In the United States we have United Airlines, Hawaiian, and JSX. I haven’t tried this product yet. However, I expect more airlines to announce Starlink on their fleets, but I also fear it maybe hype (Similar to what’s going with AI). I hope it’s as good as the reports are saying, onetime on a major U.S. airline I tried to book a ticket inflight. It didn’t end well and I decided to book it once the flight landed. I’d love to hear what you think about Starlink in the comments.