Qatar Airways Launches World’s First Starlink-Equipped Boeing 787, Completes Airbus A350 Starlink Rollout

Posted on January 11, 2026

Qatar Airways, the operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, has become the first carrier globally to enable Boeing 787-8 with Starlink.

The airline has also equipped its entire Airbus A350 fleet within record-breaking eight months in December 2025. To date, Qatar Airways is operating three Dreamliners with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, bringing the total of its Starlink-connected widebody aircraft to nearly 120.

Marking the fastest and most ambitious Starlink widebody rollout programme in global aviation history, the airline is progressing at an unsurpassed pace.

Within just 14 months, Qatar Airways started and completed the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 Starlink installation programmes, and then expanded to its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

This progress cements the airline’s position as the global leader in Starlink-enabled long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity while also achieving the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped A350 fleet – building on Qatar Airways’ legacy as the aircraft’s global launch customer.

The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, is also the first in the world to secure Starlink certification for Boeing 787-8.

The impact of this leadership is already being experienced by travellers globally, with over 11 million passengers enjoying free, gate-to-gate*, faster-than-home Wi-Fi onboard since the airline launched the service in October 2024.

In 2025, Starlink connected over 21 million passengers across global airlines. Qatar Airways’ Starlink-connected passengers comprise nearly half of that, with over 10 million passengers being the first in the world to enjoy the complimentary service onboard widebody aircraft across long- and ultra-long-haul routes operated by the airline.

Nearly 120 widebody aircraft, representing over 58% of its widebody fleet across Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787s, now provide passengers with ultra-high-speed connectivity at up to 500 Mbps, enabling uninterrupted streaming, video calls, and real-time productivity that can surpass many home broadband networks.

The airline is extending the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky across an increasing number of routes, including flights to the majority of destinations served by Qatar Airways in the Americas and Australia**, and on prominent routes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Wider Starlink Rollout

Qatar Airways’ A350 Starlink installation programme is part of a record-breaking widebody rollout programme:

Enhanced Real-Time Operations with Starlink 

Starlink is transforming Qatar Airways’ employee experience and real-time operations:

Flight and roster updates are delivered instantly to crew’s devices, ensuring increased operational alignment throughout every journey.

Enhanced cabin crew co-ordination with ground teams in real time during medical or service-related situations, enabling faster decision-making and reducing delays.

Engineers can monitor the inflight entertainment system during flight and prepare recovery plans before landing, improving turnaround efficiency.

Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry as the operator of the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet and the first carrier in the MENA region to offer this cutting-edge technology, reinforcing its reputation as the world’s best airline for unmatched passenger experience.

Gate-to-gate access may be unavailable at certain airports due to local regulatory requirements

Aircraft subject to change if operationally required

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

The Oyo State Government has flagged off the first phase of waste segregation across... Continue
More than 54 political, youth, student, and civil society groups have thrown their weight... Continue
  MAZI EJIMOFOR OPARA This political season feels different. The old participatory system is... Continue
AISHA ABUBAKAR A Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Suleiman Kumo, has been convicted and sentenced to... Continue
KINGSLEY EBERE Prince Nixon Okwara has outlined his vision for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2... Continue
MICHAEL AKINOLA   A 34-year old  man, Abdulazeez Rauf Olawale, has landed in trouble... Continue
KINGSLEY EBERE The Patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Eze Christian Nwachukwu, has lauded... Continue
Welcome to the real World Password Day 2026 this Thursday, May 7th, and it’s... Continue
  CHUKA UBAH      The Incorporated Trustees of the Supreme Council of Nze... Continue
EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD Today, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, an Abia-born prominent businessman and politician, offered... Continue

UBA


Access Bank

Twitter

Sponsored