Qatar Airways has achieved a landmark moment in global aviation. The airline is now the first in the world to equip both its Boeing 787-8 and Airbus A350 fleets with Starlink satellite internet. This milestone marks a major shift in how passengers stay connected while flying long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes.
The move strengthens Qatar Airways’ position as a technology leader. It also sets a new global benchmark for in-flight connectivity.
A First-of-Its-Kind Fleet-Wide Achievement
The Starlink installation across the Boeing 787-8 fleet follows the successful rollout on the Airbus A350 aircraft. The airline completed the A350 installations in record time, finishing the project within just eight months. This rapid deployment highlights the airline’s operational efficiency and focus on innovation.
With nearly 120 widebody aircraft now Starlink-enabled, Qatar Airways operates the world’s largest fleet equipped with this advanced satellite internet system. No other airline has reached this scale across multiple widebody aircraft types.
What Starlink Means for Passengers
Starlink delivers ultra-fast, low-latency internet using a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites. For passengers, this translates into a seamless online experience from gate to gate.
Travelers can stream videos, join video calls, browse social media, and work online without interruption. Speeds can reach up to 500 Mbps, a level that often exceeds typical home broadband connections.
This capability transforms how passengers use their time onboard. Long flights no longer mean digital isolation.
Complimentary Wi-Fi Across Key Routes
Since launching Starlink service in October 2024, Qatar Airways has offered complimentary Wi-Fi to millions of passengers. The airline has already connected more than 11 million travelers through this service, reflecting strong demand and high usage levels.
The free, high-speed access aligns with Qatar Airways’ customer-first approach. It removes the cost barrier that traditionally limited in-flight internet use and makes connectivity a standard part of the travel experience.
Fast Deployment Across Multiple Aircraft Types
Qatar Airways began its Starlink journey with the Boeing 777 fleet. The airline then expanded the installation to the Airbus A350, followed by the Boeing 787. Completing this rollout across different aircraft platforms within 14 months demonstrates careful planning and strong coordination with technology partners.
The airline is also the global launch customer for the Airbus A350. By creating the world’s first fully Starlink-equipped A350 fleet, Qatar Airways reinforces its long-standing role in introducing next-generation aircraft and onboard technologies.
Supporting Productivity and Entertainment at 35,000 Feet
High-speed connectivity plays a growing role in modern air travel. Business travelers expect to stay productive, while leisure travelers want uninterrupted entertainment and communication.
Starlink supports both needs. Passengers can attend virtual meetings, send large files, or stream high-definition content without lag. Families can stay connected with loved ones on the ground, even on the longest intercontinental flights.
This capability reshapes passenger expectations and raises the standard for premium and economy travel alike.
Expanding Global Coverage
Qatar Airways now offers Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on flights across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. As more aircraft enter service with the system installed, coverage will continue to expand across the airline’s global network.
More than half of the airline’s widebody fleet already supports Starlink. That number will keep growing as remaining aircraft complete the upgrade process.
Recognition Backed by Innovation
Qatar Airways continues to earn global recognition for excellence in service and innovation. Being named the World’s Best Airline in 2025 for the ninth consecutive year reflects consistent performance across comfort, service quality, and onboard experience.
The Starlink rollout supports this reputation. It shows how investment in technology can directly enhance passenger satisfaction and operational value.
Setting the Future Standard for Air Travel
This achievement goes beyond faster Wi-Fi. It signals a broader shift in aviation, where high-speed connectivity becomes an expected part of flying rather than a premium add-on.
By becoming the first airline to deploy Starlink across both Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 fleets, Qatar Airways has set a clear direction for the industry. The airline continues to shape the future of air travel, where staying connected is seamless, reliable, and available to all passengers.
As global travel demand grows, Qatar Airways’ technology-driven strategy positions it at the forefront of the next era in aviation.
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