More than 50 percent of Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 fleet, nearly 30 aircraft, now feature Starlink’s Wi-Fi connectivity, as disclosed by the airline’s CEO Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
During a panel discussion titled “Redefining aviation: how Qatar Airways sets the benchmark,” part of the Web Summit 2025 currently taking place in Doha, Al Meer stated that the multiple award-winning airline has met its commitment to deliver the best wireless communication service onboard its aircraft for passengers at an unparalleled pace, QNA reported.
Speeding up installations
“We promised to have Starlink from Qatar Airways four months ago, and so many passengers are experiencing Starlink connectivity as we speak. it’s implemented on 50 percent of our 777 fleet, almost 30 aircraft,” Al Meer remarked.
Additionally, he elaborated that Qatar Airways collaborated closely with the Starlink team to cut down the time required to equip aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi from roughly three days to just 9.5 hours per aircraft. “Our plan was to have 50 aircraft by May of this year. I’m sure we will exceed this number. We are continuing to install Starlink on our aircraft. We are working very closely with Boeing and Airbus and Starlink teams.”
Future enhancements
“We will be the first airline to install Starlink on our Dreamliner 787 and our 353. By the end of this year, Starlink will be installed on all our wide bodies.” Al Meer also highlighted that Qatar Airways is proactively seeking new technologies and innovative methods to enhance the passenger experience, with the company’s future vision aimed at anticipating travelers’ needs in the coming decades.
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Embracing AI for better experience
Al Meer further pointed out that the company aims to leverage AI to improve customer service, citing initiatives like the Sama app, along with various other projects related to meals, customs duty exemption, and online services.
Regarding Qatar Airways’ collaboration with the Web Summit, he stated: “We have had a very successful partnership for several years with the Web Summit and technology at the forefront of this partnership. We are proud to be part of the Web Summit.”
