The Indonesian Post
Qatar Airways has enhanced in-flight connectivity by launching the world’s first Boeing 777 equipped with Starlink, flying from Doha to London on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. This achievement positions Qatar Airways, named the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, as a leader in integrating advanced technology into air travel. It is the largest and first airline in the MENA region to provide passengers with Starlink's ultra-fast, low-latency internet, which is free for all travelers and available from gate to gate. The national airline of Qatar plans to surpass its goal of three Starlink-equipped planes by adding 12 upgraded Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024. Additionally, Qatar Airways aims to implement this technology across its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025, a year earlier than planned, with the Airbus A350 fleet to follow in the summer of 2025. This important step underscores Qatar Airways’ dedication to connecting the skies with the ground through ultra-fast, low-latency internet. Starlink, created by SpaceX, is the first and largest satellite network in low Earth orbit. It offers passengers fast and reliable internet, allowing them to connect with loved ones, enjoy entertainment, watch live sports, play games, or work efficiently while flying at 35,000 feet—all for free with just one click. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Group CEO of Qatar Airways, expressed excitement about launching their first flight with Starlink. He stated that this achievement highlights Qatar Airways' leadership in the aviation sector. He added that their goal is to quickly implement Starlink across their entire modern fleet, enhancing the in-flight experience beyond traditional limits. By providing dependable internet access, Starlink connects passengers to their favorite activities even at high altitudes, making every flight memorable. With its advanced satellites and expertise in spacecraft operations, Starlink offers global internet coverage, reaching areas like oceans and remote locations that traditional signals can't. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk noted, "Over time, you'll see improvements. This is just the beginning."Â