Qatar Airways to roll out StarLink internet

[moa999]

While Qantas continues to wait on ViaSat to launch its latest constellation,

Qatar has announced its moving to StarLink, starting to install in aircraft this year on 773s and roll out to the entire fleet within two years.

Qatar Airways raises in-flight experience to new heights!

We are proud to be the largest global airline and the first in the MENA region to collaborate with @SpaceX @Starlink

This complimentary, ground-breaking service will enhance our passengers' onboard experience with boundless entertainment and information options.

Three Boeing 777-300s will be the first aircraft in Qatar Airways' fleet to be upgraded with Starlink's game-changing, ultra-high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi onboard by the last quarter of this year.

This enhancement marks the beginning of a comprehensive rollout strategy, set to extend across our entire modern fleet within the next two years. Passengers can enjoy complimentary, ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi of up to 500 Megabit per second to stream their favourite movies, watch live sports, and enjoy online gaming at 30,000 feet, as if they were at home.

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[RooFlyer]

Jolly good

 

[Scarlett]

So, will we now have to scroll past MY NUDES IN BIO every couple of titles whilst reviewing the movie list?

 

[henrus]

There two main things I find amusing about the Qatar/Starlink proposal.

1. Whilst Starlink can provide full coverage over oceans, as of the last update 6 months ago they only had approval to operate over ~60 countries (highlighted green below). These countries are updated on the following page Help Center however I think there will always be some hold outs. Currently the Ku band solution by Panasonic has approval from every country and Sita's has every country except India.

For Qatar airways you could be without services for at least an hour on departure or arrival from Qatar as no neighbouring countries have approved Starlink.



2. The Starlink antenna for the 777 hasn't yet got regulatory approval, this is scheduled for Q4 this year (hence the roll out starting then).

The only aircraft operated by the QF group with approval is the A321neo which is currently operating for JQ. The 737 isn't getting it until Q3 this year with the 787's slated for 2025+, A330s hopefully this quarter and no plan at this stage to gain regulatory approval for the A380s.