Qatar Airways is introducing free inflight Wi-Fi on three of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The system is SpaceX’s Starlink, a high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world. Qatar Airways is the largest airline to partner with Starlink.
Once introduced Qatar Airways’ passengers will use a high-speed and low-latency network with a simple ‘one-click-access’ to enjoy a variety of internet-based services such as video streaming of their favourite entertainment and sports videos, online gaming, enriched web-browsing and much more.
High-speed
Qatar Airways says ‘passengers can enjoy complimentary ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi of up to 500 Megabit per second’. Most airline systems have about 5 Mbps, so that’s about 100 times faster.
That would be proper internet access.
Low-latency
The low-latency means less lag and so a smoother internet experience, meaning games and movies are better enjoyed.
‘one-click-access’
‘one-click-access’ is PR stuff for now but hopefully, it means the inflight Wi-Fi can be used on multiple devices, with passengers seamlessly moving from seatback to mobile to laptop etc.
Entire modern fleet to get free inflight Wi-Fi
The agreement was announced in October 2023.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer:
“This exciting collaboration with Starlink is a testament to our customer-first mindset and commitment to elevating our passengers’ experience to unprecedented heights, as we continue furthering our innovative offerings to meet and exceed passengers’ expectations throughout their journey with Qatar Airways.”
Starlink from SpaceX
Starlink has a large constellation of low-orbiting satellites. They are much lower than conventional ones, so the signal is faster. They are also much smaller than others and so there are thousands of them.
A small, thin terminal is installed on top of the aircraft. That allows it to receive strong, fast internet signals from the satellites.
The terminal switches connections from satellite to satellite as the aircraft flies, providing an uninterrupted internet experience for passengers.
Starlink Engineering Vice President at SpaceX, Mike Nicolls:
“High-speed, low-latency internet is the future of aviation connectivity, and we’re excited to work with Qatar Airways to start flying Starlink on their fleet by the end of this year. Soon, all Qatar Airways passengers will be able to enjoy all the benefits of the world’s best in-flight connectivity from the comfort of their seats.”
In addition to Qatar Airways, SpaceX has announced Starlink inflight Wi-Fi deals with:
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar. Its base is Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
Routes: Over 170 destinations across Africa, Central Asia, Europe, Far East, South Asia, Middle East, North America, South America and Oceania.
Passengers: Over 30 million pa
Alliance: oneworld
Fleet: Over 220 passenger aircraft:
- 29 Airbus A320
- 10 Airbus A330
- 58 Airbus A350
- 8 Airbus A380
- 9 Boeing 737 MAX 8
- 64 Boeing 777
- 48 Boeing 787
