Qatar Airways’ Free Starlink Wi-Fi: 777s Almost Done, A350s Next

In October 2023, Qatar Airways made an exciting announcement when it comes to inflight Wi-Fi, as the oneworld carrier revealed it would introduce Starlink connectivity. In October 2024, we saw the first jet equipped with this service. The airline has now revealed an exciting update regarding the rollout of this service, so let’s cover the details.

Qatar Airways offering free high speed Wi-Fi

Qatar Airways is in the process of introducing free Starlink Wi-Fi, making this one of the largest airlines in the world to collaborate with SpaceX on Wi-Fi. Not only will Starlink offer speeds of up to 500 megabits per second for gaming, VPN access, sports streaming, and more, but Qatar Airways intends to offer this Wi-Fi on a complimentary basis, with one-click access.

Qatar Airways is one of several airlines that’s working with Starlink on inflight connectivity, with other airlines including airBaltic, Air France, Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, United Airlines, and WestJet.

In October 2024, Qatar Airways’ first aircraft was equipped with the new inflight connectivity, and the press release was even uploaded from 35,000 feet, using the Starlink inflight Wi-Fi. Below is a video call that Qatar Airways’ CEO made with Elon Musk during this first flight, on October 22, 2024.

For context, Qatar Airways’ fleet is otherwise primarily outfitted with Inmarsat’s GX aviation technology, which the airline refers to as “Super Wi-Fi.” This typically costs $10 for a flight, with no data caps. Some of Qatar Airways’ other aircraft have OnAir Wi-Fi, which is quite slow.

Qatar Airways’ Starlink Wi-Fi rollout schedule

Qatar Airways has revealed an updated timeline for the introduction of free Starlink Wi-Fi, and it’s much better than was initially planned:

• Qatar Airways has installed Starlink Wi-Fi on over 80% of its Boeing 777s, and the 777 project is expected to be complete in the coming weeks
• Qatar Airways plans to shortly start installing Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350s, with the first A350 expected to get the service as of this month (April 2025)

For context, the initial plan was for all 777s to get Starlink Wi-Fi by December 2025, and for A350s to get Starlink after that. So the process is way ahead of schedule, which is awesome. That’s impressive, and shows how quick the installation process can be, once planes are certified to get the service.

It remains to be seen when the carrier’s other aircraft types, including the 787 and A380, will start to get Starlink (it’s tricky on 787s, since the carbon fiber fuselage makes certification more complicated). However, it makes sense that the 777 and A350 are the priority, since these planes fly the longest routes.

Here’s how Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer described this latest development:

“We are just a few aircraft away from completing a full fleet-wide upgrade of our Boeing 777s with Starlink connectivity — an industry-first for a widebody fleet of this scale. In April, we will become the first airline in the world to begin equipping the Airbus A350 with Starlink, taking another bold step in our journey of redefining connectivity in the skies. We affirm our continual efforts to enhance our onboard WiFi experience, ensuring passengers enjoy greater comfort, convenience, and service.”

Bottom line

Qatar Airways is making great progress with installing Starlink Wi-Fi. Not only are we starting to see Starlink Wi-Fi available on Qatar Airways on a widespread basis, but it’s also complimentary. This is a very nice competitive advantage for Qatar Airways.

The carrier now has Starlink Wi-Fi on over 80% of its 777s, and that project is expected to be complete in the coming weeks. Also as of this month, Qatar Airways plans to install Starlink on its first A350, which is also well ahead of schedule.

What do you make of Qatar Airways introducing free Starlink Wi-Fi?