Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways has surpassed a key technological milestone, equipping more than 100 widebody aircraft with SpaceX Starlink satellite internet. The rollout marks one of the fastest deployments of next-generation in-flight connectivity in the global aviation sector.
The airline confirmed the milestone in an official statement, noting that installations are progressing “ahead of schedule” across its long-haul fleet. The achievement places Qatar Airways among the world’s leaders in satellite-based onboard Wi-Fi adoption.
According to the carrier, more than 30,000 flights have already operated with Starlink connectivity since the first installation in October 2024, offering uninterrupted gate-to-gate high-speed internet across six continents. Over 50 percent of Qatar Airways’ widebody fleet is now equipped, with the Boeing 777 programme fully completed and work on the Airbus A350 fleet advancing rapidly.
Executives say the project is being executed at “record speed,” underscoring a strategic push to elevate Qatar Airways’ premium long-haul passenger experience.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the airline is intensifying installation efforts, adding that the programme is “an immediate priority rather than a future ambition.” He highlighted that the airline is now operating up to 200 daily flights with Starlink connectivity.
Starlink-equipped aircraft are delivering internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps on Boeing 777s, enabling live streaming, video calls, online gaming, and high-bandwidth work applications. The service remains free for all passengers, regardless of cabin class, an uncommon offer among major global airlines.
The carrier says the onboard speeds outperform many home internet connections and have significantly expanded digital access for long-haul travellers.
Qatar Airways aims to complete Starlink installation across its entire widebody fleet by the end of the year. The retrofit effort covers aircraft serving more than 170 destinations, making the upgraded connectivity available on a large share of the airline’s global network.
The rapid rollout also reflects broader regional ambitions, with Qatar Airways remaining the only airline in the Middle East and North Africa to offer Starlink connectivity at this scale
