In October 2023, Qatar Airways made a thrilling announcement concerning inflight Wi-Fi, as the oneworld airline disclosed it would launch Starlink connectivity. By October 2024, the initial aircraft outfitted with this service soared into the sky. The airline has now accomplished another significant achievement with the deployment of this service, having finalized installation on another fleet category. Presently, Starlink is accessible on all Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787-8s, with all Boeing 787-9s anticipated to receive the service by the conclusion of 2026. Let’s delve into the specifics.
**Qatar Airways providing free high-speed Wi-Fi**
Qatar Airways is in the midst of rolling out complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, positioning it among the largest long-haul airlines globally to partner with SpaceX on Wi-Fi services. This is a transformative change for the passenger experience. Starlink provides speeds of up to 500 megabits per second for gaming, VPN access, sports streaming, and more. Qatar Airways is offering this Wi-Fi at no charge, with easy one-click access. Controversially, the airline is even permitting customers to make voice and video calls using the service, which has its pros and cons.
In October 2024, Qatar Airways’ first aircraft featured the enhanced inflight connectivity, and the press release was even sent from 35,000 feet, utilizing the Starlink inflight Wi-Fi. Below is a video call that Qatar Airways’ former CEO had with Elon Musk during this inaugural flight, on October 22, 2024.
**Qatar Airways’ Starlink Wi-Fi deployment timeline**
What’s the current update on Qatar Airways implementing its Starlink Wi-Fi?
– Qatar Airways has completed the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet of Boeing 777s, indicating that over 60 of these aircraft now have the service; these were the initial planes to be outfitted with Starlink.
– Qatar Airways has finalized the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi throughout its fleet of Airbus A350s, meaning that over 60 of these jets now have the service; these were the second planes to receive Starlink.
– Qatar Airways has concluded the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet of Boeing 787-8s, meaning that 32 of these jets now have the service; these were the third planes to get Starlink, and this project has just been completed.
– Currently, Qatar Airways is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi to its fleet of Boeing 787-9s, with the first aircraft having just received the service; the airline has 27 of these in its fleet, and it is expected that they all will have Starlink by the close of 2026.
At this time, Qatar Airways has Starlink Wi-Fi on a significant majority of its wide-body fleet, and advancements are being made rapidly. At present, it takes the airline approximately 10 hours per aircraft to install Starlink, which is quite remarkable.
Regarding wide-body aircraft in Qatar Airways’ fleet, only the Airbus A330s (which are anticipated to be retired soon) and Airbus A380s are left (we’ll see what transpires with those). Ideally, the A380s will receive the service, contingent upon the airline’s decision to retain them.
The latter half of 2026 is expected to witness many 787 operators installing Starlink. The 787’s composite fuselage complicates the Starlink installation compared to other airplanes, which is why we have yet to see U.S. carriers implement this on Dreamliners. However, that should change soon, with airlines like Alaska and United likely to install Starlink on 787s before year-end.
**Final thoughts**
Qatar Airways is making substantial strides with the installation of Starlink Wi-Fi. Not only is Starlink Wi-Fi now available extensively on Qatar Airways, but it is also offered free of charge. This presents a significant competitive advantage for Qatar Airways.
The carrier now has Starlink Wi-Fi operational on all of its 777s, A350s, and 787-8s, encompassing a large portion of its wide-body fleet. The 787-9s are currently receiving Starlink, with all of those expected to have the service before the year concludes.
What are your thoughts on Qatar Airways launching free Starlink Wi-Fi?