Qatar Airways one step closer to giving free internet in the skies
Qatar Airways has taken the future of in-flight connectivity to greater heights by operating the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 aircraft from Doha to London on Tuesday.
Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit that will provide passengers reliable, high-speed internet so that they can stay connected with friends and family, stream their favourite entertainment, watch live sports, play online games, or work efficiently at 35,000 feet — all for free and with a simple ‘one-click-access.’
#QatarAirways launches the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight. @Starlink
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) October 22, 2024
We are proud to be the airline that leads the way, setting new standards in the airline industry. #QatarAirwaysStarlink pic.twitter.com/347ZnclANb
The milestone establishes Qatar Airways as an industry leader in bringing advanced technology on board. The airline is the largest and MENA region’s first carrier to offer passengers Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet. Starlink is free to all passengers and operates from gate to gate.
Qatar’s national carrier is also set to exceed its initial target of three Starlink-equipped aircraft by introducing 12 Boeing 777-300s upgraded with the innovative service by the end of 2024.
Qatar Airways has further committed to rolling out the technology on its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025 — one year ahead of schedule — with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of 2025.
This significant move highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to bridging the gap between the skies and the ground by offering ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet.
World's first press release at 35,000 feet. @Starlink #QatarAirwaysStarlink
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) October 22, 2024
Read morehttps://t.co/vQrGMB6MQ2 pic.twitter.com/e01pIiSF5A
Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry.
“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. By providing Starlink’s reliable, seamless internet on board, we’re connecting people to the things they love the most, even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.”
Starlink, leveraging advanced satellites and its deep experience with spacecraft and on-orbit operations, delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.
“Over time, you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum, and it only gets better from here,” said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
What's it like flying with @Starlink Wi-Fi in the sky?
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) October 23, 2024
Hear from the first passengers to experience it on board pic.twitter.com/SGjzsqNBNl
With the launch of its first Starlink-equipped flight, Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts, including:
• World’s first Starlink equipped Boeing Widebody 777
• First Starlink on Qatar Airways passenger aircraft
• First Starlink equipped passenger aircraft in the MENA region
• First Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft
• Largest passenger aircraft equipped with Starlink
• Longest range Starlink equipped passenger aircraft
As the first-ever service of its kind in the MENA region, the collaboration with Starlink marks a new milestone for Qatar Airways. This strategic initiative will further elevate the airline’s unparalleled on-board experience.
The Starlink-equipped aircraft will operate on select routes as the airline pushes forward its roll-out plans. This will ensure more passengers have seamless access to enhanced connectivity during their travels, elevating Qatar Airways’ award-winning on-board experience to new heights.
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