Qatar Airways debuts world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9

Qatar Airways has become the first airline in the world to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9, after completing the satellite internet rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months. 

The milestone brings the airline’s total number of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft to 150.

The Doha-based carrier said it remains on track to complete Starlink installation across its entire Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

Building on a fast-paced rollout

The 787-9 milestone follows a string of quick installation programs for Qatar Airways, which previously completed its Boeing 777 Starlink rollout in nine months and its Airbus A350 rollout in eight months. 

#image_titleWith those programs complete, the airline now operates what it describes as the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped fleets of Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 aircraft.

Qatar Airways was also the first airline to offer Starlink connectivity globally on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes spanning six continents. 

The airline has been expanding access to free, gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi across more of its network, including routes to the Americas, Australasia, and key gateways throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, though gate-to-gate access may not be available at every airport due to local regulatory requirements.

#image_titleMore than 23 million passengers connected

Since launching Starlink onboard in October 2024, Qatar Airways said more than 23 million passengers have connected to the service across over 86,000 flights. 

The airline’s Starlink program has now surpassed 83% completion across its widebody fleet, with up to 323 Starlink-equipped flights currently operating each day.

Starlink offers Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps, giving passengers the ability to work, stay in touch with family, or stream content while in the air. Access is available to passengers through Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club membership authentication and enrollment process.The post Qatar Airways debuts world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 appeared first on AeroTime.

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