Qatar Airways Sets New Standard with Starlink Wi-Fi Across Widebody Fleet
Qatar Airways has redefined the passenger connectivity experience in global aviation by becoming the first airline worldwide to equip the Boeing 787-8 with Starlink Wi-Fi. This achievement comes on the heels of the carrier’s record-breaking rollout of Starlink across its entire Airbus A350 fleet, completed within just eight months and cementing its role as a technological trailblazer in long-haul air travel.
By December 2025, the airline had already brought Starlink connectivity to three Dreamliners, pushing the total number of Starlink-enabled widebody aircraft in its operation to nearly 120. This represents over 58% of Qatar Airways’ widebody fleet—spanning Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787s—making the airline the undisputed leader in next-generation in-flight internet access for both long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes.
Qatar Airways has set a blistering pace in the industry, completing the installation of Starlink technology on its Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s in just 14 months before expanding swiftly to the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This decisive expansion not only builds on its legacy as the global launch customer for the A350 but also positions Qatar Airways as the only airline to feature the world’s largest Starlink-equipped A350 fleet.
The impact of this ambitious connectivity rollout is already being felt by millions of travelers worldwide. Since introducing the service in October 2024, over 11 million passengers have benefited from free, gate-to-gate, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, with access speeds reaching up to 500 Mbps. This technology enables uninterrupted streaming, video calls, and real-time productivity—capabilities that often surpass the quality of home broadband connections. In 2025 alone, Qatar Airways’ Starlink-enabled aircraft carried more than 10 million passengers—nearly half of all Starlink-connected flyers globally—making it a pioneer in digital in-flight experiences.
This enhanced onboard connectivity is particularly significant for business and leisure travelers flying between Africa and other continents. Qatar Airways’ widebody aircraft, now equipped with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, serve a vast network of destinations, including key hubs in the Americas, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. For industry professionals in Africa, this breakthrough means passengers can expect a seamless digital journey from departure to arrival, supporting productivity, communication, and entertainment needs across even the longest routes.
The airline’s leadership in technological innovation was further recognised when it was named the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time by Skytrax in 2025. Qatar Airways is also the first to secure Starlink certification for the Boeing 787-8, underscoring its commitment to raising the bar in passenger experience and operational excellence.
For the African tourism industry, Qatar Airways’ pioneering move sets a new benchmark for what travelers can expect in terms of connectivity, especially on long-haul flights to and from the continent. As digital access becomes ever more central to the travel experience, airlines operating on African routes may be compelled to accelerate their own onboard technology upgrades, ensuring that passengers remain connected, engaged, and satisfied throughout their journey.
With Starlink-enabled widebody aircraft now flying the majority of the carrier’s routes, Qatar Airways is not only enhancing its own competitive edge but also influencing industry standards for global connectivity. This development highlights how next-generation in-flight internet can transform passenger expectations and business models, creating new opportunities for African destinations to attract tech-savvy travelers and boost their appeal on the world stage.
