Qatar Airways has launched the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity that promises to revolutionise the travel experience for passengers.

On 22 October 2024, this milestone was marked by a flight from Doha to London, making Qatar Airways the first airline globally to offer Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet across its fleet.

Recognised as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, Qatar Airways is taking the lead in adopting cutting-edge technology in air travel. The airline is not only the first carrier in the MENA region to provide passengers with Starlink but is also set to exceed its initial goal of having three Starlink-equipped aircraft, with plans to introduce twelve Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024. This ambitious rollout will see the technology implemented across the entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025 – one year ahead of schedule – with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of the same year.

This significant initiative demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience by bridging the gap between the skies and the ground. With Starlink, passengers can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access throughout their journey—from gate to gate. Whether streaming their favourite shows, watching live sports, playing online games, or working while in the air, travellers can remain connected without any charge.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, stated:

We are 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 reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.

Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts with this initiative, including being the first airline to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing widebody 777, as well as securing the first Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft. These advancements signify a major leap forward in passenger connectivity, as the technology delivers high-speed internet across previously unreachable areas, including over oceans and remote locations.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, remarked,

Over time you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here.

As Global Travel Management aims to keep UK-based business travellers informed about the latest advancements in the industry, the introduction of Starlink-equipped flights by Qatar Airways highlights a pivotal shift towards improved connectivity while flying. Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented,

This innovative service will significantly benefit UK-based business travellers, enabling them to work efficiently and stay connected while in the air, transforming the way we think about travel.

The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will operate on select routes as Qatar Airways continues to implement its rollout plans. This move is set to elevate the airline’s award-winning on-board experience, providing a new benchmark for in-flight excellence.

For further information about how this advancement can enhance your travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

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