DOHA— Qatar Airways (QR) has accelerated its rollout of free high-speed inflight Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, becoming one of the first major global carriers to offer complimentary satellite connectivity across its long-haul fleet. The first aircraft equipped with the service flew in October 2024, connecting passengers with streaming-quality speeds at 35,000 feet.
The initiative is currently active on all Boeing 777s, operating out of Hamad International Airport (DOH), with Airbus A350s next in line. With speeds of up to 500 Mbps, the service is offered at no cost and requires only one-click access, revolutionizing onboard digital experiences.
Photo: Clément AlloingQatar Airways 777 with Starlink WiFi
Qatar Airways (QR), headquartered in Doha, has emerged as a global leader in inflight connectivity by collaborating with SpaceX’s Starlink to deliver free, ultra-fast satellite Wi-Fi.
With this rollout, the airline has raised the bar on what passengers can expect onboard, especially during long-haul journeys. The Starlink service supports streaming, gaming, VPN usage, and video conferencing, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
In October 2023, Qatar Airways announced its intent to deploy Starlink across its fleet. By October 2024, the first 777 aircraft went live with the service, with CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer conducting a live video call with Elon Musk from 35,000 feet to mark the milestone. Since then, over 15,000 flights have operated with Starlink-enabled connectivity.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysRollout Progress
The rollout has been remarkably fast and ahead of schedule. As of mid-2025, Qatar Airways has completed installation across its entire Boeing 777 fleet, over 50 aircraft.
The installation time has been drastically reduced from three days to just 9.5 hours per aircraft, enabling faster service deployment.
The airline has now turned its attention to the Airbus A350 fleet. The first A350 is scheduled to be equipped in the coming weeks, and the full installation across the type is expected to finish within 12 months — a timeline well ahead of original estimates, which targeted post-2025 completion.
While the airline’s Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s are not yet part of the Starlink program due to certification challenges — especially on the carbon fiber fuselage of the 787 — focus remains on wide-body aircraft that serve Qatar Airways’ longest routes.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysLegacy Wi-Fi vs Starlink: A Major Upgrade
Before Starlink, most Qatar Airways aircraft used Inmarsat’s GX Aviation system, marketed as “Super Wi-Fi,” which passengers could access for a fee of $10 per flight. Some aircraft also featured OnAir Wi-Fi, which offered limited speed and reliability.
The introduction of Starlink marks a significant improvement. Unlike older systems with capped speeds and paid access, Starlink delivers free gate-to-gate connectivity at fiber-like speeds, transforming the onboard experience for passengers in both Economy and Premium cabins.
CEO Statement and Strategic Vision
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and passenger experience, stating:
This new milestone demonstrates our strategic investment in redefining our passengers’ expectations. We promised the fastest, most seamless in-flight connectivity in the industry, and with Starlink we have delivered it faster and at an unmatched scale.”
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer
With a network that spans over 170 destinations globally, the Starlink rollout aligns with the airline’s broader digital transformation strategy and solidifies its leadership in inflight passenger services.
Photo: Clément AlloingBottom Line
Qatar Airways (QR) is rapidly redefining inflight connectivity with the free rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi on all Boeing 777s and upcoming Airbus A350s.
With its fast-track deployment, one-click access, and consistent 500 Mbps performance, the airline is offering one of the most advanced onboard digital experiences in the world.
As installation expands to more aircraft types, the carrier is setting a new global standard in passenger connectivity — free, fast, and available from gate to gate.
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The post Qatar Airways Equips 54 Boeing 777 With New Starlink WiFi, A350 Next appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
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