Welcome to 2024, where the internet is now standard aboard most aircraft. The idea of disconnecting in the air is no longer possible, as many airlines offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, while others are offering it for free. Now, Qatar Airways is introducing Starlink to their aircraft and has become the first airline in the world to do so. With this comes new capabilities that were previously not possible with other internet providers, including speeds fast enough to support conference calls, online gaming, and more—not just video streaming. Starlink allows any airplane to become your home-away-from-home office.
Starlink and Qatar Airways Wi-Fi
Coming soon, Qatar Airways has unveiled plans to roll out Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet across its entire Boeing 777 fleet within a year. This means that by the end of 2025, all B777 aircraft should be equipped with Starlink. Best of all, the service will be free! Qatar currently offers its “Super Wi-Fi on board” on all Boeing 777, 787-9, and Airbus A350 and A380 aircraft. This service costs just $10, with speeds around 5 Mbps.
Qatar Airways plans to rapidly deploy Starlink across its widebody fleet. Twelve Boeing 777-300s will be upgraded with this innovative service by the end of 2024. Qatar Airways has further committed to rolling out the technology across its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025, followed by the Airbus A350 fleet in the summer of 2025.
Qatar Airways passengers can now stay entertained and connected throughout their journey, streaming their favorite shows and live sports, enjoying online gaming, or working seamlessly at 35,000 feet. This is something you may enjoy, but your seatmate may hate. I can only imagine the person next to you talking extra loud because they can’t hear themselves or their friends on the other end of the conference call.
Starlink has quickly become the mode of connectivity on most major cruise ships but hasn’t yet conquered the airlines. I can vouch for how great Starlink performs. On a recent Seabourn expedition to Antarctica and South Georgia, I was able to video call my family on Christmas without issue. The call was better than my own cellular data at home in Seattle. And I was beyond the polar circle! I also took zoom calls and team calls on the drake passage. Seabourn Starlink wifi option was flawless. The same can be said about my Explora Journey Cruise too.
Bottom Line
Starlink is coming to a flight near you, and your neighbor may be lost in a world of virtual reality gaming or yapping away on a business conference call. I personally think that having the ability to join a Teams call would be handy from time to time. Yet at the same time, I would likely only listen and not talk. Why? Because no one wants to hear me discuss work.
What do you think of Starlink coming to your next flight? Would you join a Zoom call in the air?
