Qatar Airways Expands Starlink Wi-Fi to Airbus A350 Fleet
Qatar Airways has successfully completed the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft and is now moving forward with plans to equip its Airbus A350s. The announcement, made on July 10, 2025, marks a major milestone in the airline’s strategy to offer industry-leading in-flight connectivity. A total of 54 Boeing 777 aircraft have been upgraded with the Starlink system, delivering free high-speed Wi-Fi to all passengers.
The retrofitting program was initially expected to take two years but was completed in just nine months. According to the airline, installation time per aircraft was reduced from three days to just 9.5 hours, allowing Qatar Airways to complete the rollout without disrupting scheduled operations. This achievement positions the airline as the global leader in deploying Starlink across widebody aircraft and the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa currently offering the technology.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized the airline’s focus on redefining passenger expectations through advanced technology. He stated that the Starlink installation is part of a broader investment in delivering the fastest and most seamless onboard connectivity in the aviation industry. With the Boeing 777 retrofit now complete, the airline’s attention has shifted to the Airbus A350 fleet, with plans to finalize that rollout within the next year.
The first Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Starlink Wi-Fi entered service in October 2024. Since then, Qatar Airways has operated over 15,000 flights with Starlink-enabled connectivity, providing speeds of up to 500 Mbps, significantly enhancing the inflight experience for travelers. This includes streaming, gaming, and video conferencing capabilities, all available free of charge to passengers throughout their journey.
Qatar Airways’ global network covers more than 170 destinations, and the rapid expansion of Starlink across its fleet is expected to benefit a large portion of its customer base. The airline’s commitment to innovation not only enhances comfort and productivity but also strengthens its position in the competitive premium travel market.
Other airlines currently deploying or testing Starlink include Hawaiian Airlines and airBaltic, with Virgin Atlantic becoming the first UK carrier to announce Starlink plans on July 8, 2025. The increased adoption of Starlink across the airline industry signals a growing trend toward high-performance inflight connectivity, with Qatar Airways emerging as one of the leading players in this transformation.
By combining fast implementation, large-scale deployment, and a strong focus on passenger experience, Qatar Airways is setting a new standard for in-flight internet access, demonstrating the airline’s continued emphasis on technological leadership and customer satisfaction.
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