It's almost like airlines around the world are in a race to get high speed internet installed on their planes as fast as possible. All major airlines are moving at constantly faster pace to get these systems installed and running on their fleets. High speed internet is rapidly becoming a service passengers expect on their flights and airlines are moving accordingly. The most recent update in this regard comes from Qatar Airways which has recently operated its first flight offering Starlink connectivity aboard.
Qatar Airways Presents Its High Speed Internet From Aboard Its First Enabled Boeing 777
When I read the press release by Qatar Airways I had a peculiar feeling. I felt as if this were something that Virgin Atlantic would have done. Reason being that the announcement of the new Starlink services being enabled on the first Boeing 777-300ER was done from the maiden flight itself.
Not only to raise more eyebrows the Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer video called, using Starlink onboard internet, Starlink CEO Elon Musk. A very clever way of getting people to talk about the new service, despite it being only active on one plane for now.
The first flight with Starlink internet aboard took place on October 22nd 2024 on the Doha to London route.
The Plan For The Rest of The Fleet
At the moment only one plane is fitted with the new Starlink internet connectivity systems. That plane being a Boeing 777-300ER, the largest in the fleet (A380 aside). Qatar Airways' plane is to fit on 12 Boeing 777-300ER the new systems by the end of the year with all 777 to be fitted by 2025.
After summer 2025 the airline will also start installing Starlink internet services on its Airbus A350s. As the service is rolled out it will be made available to all passengers, regardless of travel class, free of charge. A small but significant upgrade in the onboard travel experience which might entice more passengers to fly Qatar Airways.
