Qatar Airways becomes the first airline to equip more than 100 widebody aircraft with Starlink high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, a milestone that strengthens its competitive position in the long-haul market.
The achievement marks one of the aviation sector’s fastest Starlink deployment efforts, with the airline advancing its installation schedule to accelerate service availability. For operators, the move signals a rapid step toward next-generation cabin connectivity, strengthening Qatar Airways’ value proposition on long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity.
More than half of Qatar Airways’ widebody fleet is now fitted with Starlink systems, enabling the carrier to operate over 30,000 flights with uninterrupted, gate-to-gate connectivity. The rollout positions the airline as the only Starlink-enabled operator in the MENA region and among the global leaders in high-speed in-flight broadband for intercontinental services.
The pace of deployment reflects significant operational coordination across aircraft types. The airline has already completed Starlink installations on its Boeing 777 fleet and is finalising integration across its Airbus A350 aircraft, which is also expected to be completed ahead of initial timelines. As coverage expands across the global network, now spanning more than 170 destinations, passengers in all cabins have access to free, ultra-fast connectivity on routes across six continents, including key markets in the Americas, Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry by setting new benchmarks with action, and not just intent. We have expedited our Starlink rollout, which is now advancing ahead of schedule as Qatar Airways brings the best travel experience to our passengers as an immediate priority, not a future ambition. Equipping over 100 widebody aircraft since the launch of our first Starlink-equipped flight in October 2024 reflects this commitment. We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected, ensuring passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services. Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”
The service is enabling new in-flight use cases, from corporate productivity to high-bandwidth entertainment, and is reshaping expectations for long-haul connectivity standards. Qatar Airways remains the operator of the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet and the sole MENA carrier offering the service, reinforcing its emphasis on innovation and consistent passenger experience.
