Qatar Airways is making waves as the first leading airline in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to offer complimentary high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi onboard, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation. This groundbreaking announcement was made during the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
Passengers can expect a revolutionary in-flight experience by the last quarter of 2024, starting with three (03) Boeing B777-300 aircraft. The airline plans to progressively equip its entire modern fleet with Starlink technology within the next two (02) years. This move aligns with Qatar Airways’ commitment to innovation and enhancing passenger satisfaction.
“This exciting collaboration with Starlink is a testament to our customer-first mindset and commitment to elevating our passengers’ experience to unprecedented heights, as we continue furthering our innovative offerings to meet and exceed passengers’ expectations throughout their journey with Qatar Airways,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
Starlink’s cutting-edge technology will provide passengers with ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity of up to 500 megabits per second per plane, enabling seamless video streaming, online gaming, web browsing, and more. The service will be conveniently accessible with a simple ‘one-click-access.’
Starlink Engineering Vice President at SpaceX, Mike Nicolls said, “High-speed, low-latency internet is the future of aviation connectivity, and we’re excited to work with Qatar Airways to start flying Starlink on their fleet by the end of this year. Soon, all Qatar Airways passengers will be able to enjoy all the benefits of the world’s best in-flight connectivity from the comfort of their seats.”
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Qatar Airways and Starlink, as it sets a new standard for in-flight connectivity in the region. Passengers can anticipate a truly connected journey, enjoying the benefits of the world’s best in-flight internet from the comfort of their seats.