Sonali Tiwary
Qatar Airways is completing its fleet-wide Starlink internet installation on Boeing 777 aircraft and will start equipping its Airbus A350 fleet this month, becoming the first airline globally to offer this technology on the A350 model.
With over 80% of its 64 Boeing 777s already featuring Starlink connectivity, Qatar Airways has operated more than 6,000 flights with high-speed internet service. The airline offers complimentary Wi-Fi access that supports streaming, gaming, and productivity applications throughout flights.
“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 Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “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.”
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The implementation provides passengers with internet speeds reported at up to 500 Mbps, with typical speeds high enough to support streaming services and video conferencing. The low latency makes real-time applications feasible during flight—a substantial improvement over traditional in-flight systems that typically deliver under 10 Mbps.
Qatar Airways has timed installations to coincide with regular maintenance schedules to minimize service disruptions. The connectivity is available gate-to-gate, though some regulatory restrictions may apply during certain flight phases.
Several other carriers have followed Qatar Airways in adopting Starlink technology:
- Hawaiian Airlines has equipped its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft with the service
- JSX implemented Starlink across its Embraer E135 and E145 fleet
- United Airlines will begin testing the service in early 2025
- Air France plans installations starting summer 2025
- Air New Zealand will equip two domestic aircraft by late 2024
- Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) aims for fleet-wide implementation by end of 2025
- WestJet and Zipair have expressed interest in the technology
Starlink’s functionality relies on a network of low-Earth orbit satellites rather than traditional geostationary satellite systems. This orbital approach reduces latency and increases bandwidth compared to previous in-flight internet options.
The airline first demonstrated the technology with a Boeing 777-300ER flight from Doha to Toronto. Earlier this year, Paris Saint-Germain conducted a live press conference at 35,000 feet using the Qatar Airways Starlink connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX that uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet connectivity. On planes, special antennas are installed that connect to these satellites, allowing passengers to access speeds up to 500 Mbps. Unlike traditional in-flight internet that uses geostationary satellites, Starlink’s lower-altitude satellites provide faster response times and higher bandwidth capabilities.
Yes, Qatar Airways offers Starlink’s high-speed internet completely free to all passengers on equipped aircraft. There are no additional fees, data caps, or time limits for using the service during your flight. This complimentary offering is part of Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience.
Starlink provides dramatically faster speeds than traditional in-flight WiFi. While conventional systems typically offer less than 10 Mbps, Qatar Airways’ Starlink service delivers speeds of up to 500 Mbps. This represents a 50x improvement in some cases, enabling activities that were previously impossible on flights, such as high-definition streaming, online gaming, and seamless video conferencing.
Currently, over 80% of Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 fleet has been equipped with Starlink, with the complete fleet installation nearly finished. The airline is beginning Airbus A350 installations in April 2025. While the exact timeline for complete fleet-wide implementation hasn’t been announced, Qatar Airways is rapidly rolling out this technology, strategically timing installations during regular maintenance to minimize disruptions.
Qatar Airways offers gate-to-gate connectivity with Starlink, meaning the service is designed to work throughout the entire journey. However, there may be brief interruptions or restrictions during takeoff and landing phases due to regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions. The system is generally available as soon as you board the aircraft until you arrive at your destination.
Several major airlines are following Qatar Airways in adopting Starlink technology. These include Hawaiian Airlines (already equipped on A330 and A321neo aircraft), JSX (across its Embraer fleet), United Airlines (testing in early 2025), Air France (starting summer 2025), Air New Zealand, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), WestJet, and Zipair. This industry-wide adoption indicates a significant shift toward next-generation in-flight connectivity solutions.
