Qatar Airways has officially debuted its first Boeing 777 equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet. The inaugural flight took place on October 22, 2024, from Doha to London, marking the world’s first passenger aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to feature Starlink’s satellite internet service.
The first flight featured a video call between Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who demonstrated the system’s capabilities by speaking with Al-Meer and Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji. The flight showcased Starlink’s ability to deliver reliable internet service at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
“This milestone is a testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to innovation and providing an unparalleled passenger experience. By integrating Starlink, we are bridging the gap between air travel and ground-level connectivity, making every journey with us a seamless and enjoyable one,” Al-Meer said.
With the first Qatar Airways Boeing 777 now equipped with Starlink, the airline plans to rapidly expand the service and equip 12 Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink by the end of 2024, with the entire Boeing 777 fleet to follow in 2025.
The airline’s fleet of Airbus A350 will also receive the upgrade, starting in the summer of 2025.
