The satellite internet network Starlink continues to expand among airlines. Qatar Airways, Qatar’s largest airline, has announced a new partnership with the SpaceX Starlink network and plans to offer high-speed satellite internet connectivity on select flights, ushering in the era of free internet on airplanes.
Free internet on airplanes: Qatar Airways to support Starlink internet
Qatar’s national airline will provide Starlink’s satellite-enabled Wi-Fi service on its Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Stating that they have a total of four Boeing 777-300s, the company will offer Starlink experience on three aircraft in this context. It was stated that satellite internet service will be available until the fourth quarter of the year.
Passengers on these flights will have free access to ultra-high speed internet up to 500 Mbps. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker underlined that the partnership with Starlink will greatly contribute to the flight experience.
Starlink Vice President Mike Nicolls stated that high speed and low latency internet connectivity is the future of aviation. Nicolls stated that they want to launch the first commercial flights supported by Starlink later this year.
Qatar Airways aims to equip its entire fleet with Starlink terminals in the next two years and gradually expand the service to more routes. After this service, it will become the largest airline partner of SpaceX’s satellite network.
Let’s underline that Starlink technology will be used for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region.
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