Qatar Airways is on the cusp of completing its ambitious fleet-wide installation of Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across its Boeing 777 aircraft, with only a few jets remaining in the upgrade process. The move strengthens the airline’s position as a global leader in in-flight connectivity while setting the stage for another industry first—the rollout of Starlink WiFi on its Airbus A350 fleet beginning this month.
With over 80 per cent of its Boeing 777s already fitted with the SpaceX-backed service, Qatar Airways has operated more than 6,000 flights offering uninterrupted, ultra-fast gate-to-gate internet, allowing passengers to stream, game and work at cruising altitude with ease. According to the airline, this milestone represents one of the fastest and most extensive Starlink deployments in commercial aviation to date.
“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,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
The introduction of Starlink on the A350s marks a significant expansion of the airline’s digital offering. As one of Qatar Airways’ flagship aircraft types operating on long-haul and premium routes, the Airbus A350 upgrade is expected to bring seamless, complimentary WiFi access to an even wider customer base.
Installations are being conducted with minimal disruption to flight schedules, underscoring Qatar Airways’ focus on operational efficiency and customer experience. The airline was recently named the “World’s Best Airline” for the eighth time by Skytrax in 2024, further cementing its reputation for innovation and service excellence.
By pushing forward with advanced digital enhancements, Qatar Airways also maintains its edge in the increasingly competitive aviation industry, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where it remains unmatched in offering Starlink’s premium in-flight connectivity.
Qatar Airways currently serves more than 170 destinations globally through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, which was voted “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. 