Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Announces New International Schedule Updates for Northern Summer 2024

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

Qatar Airways Announces New International Schedule Updates for Northern Summer 2024. In a recent development, Qatar Airways (QR) has unveiled significant changes to its upcoming Northern Summer 2024 International Schedule, set to take effect from March 31, 2024. These alterations mainly involve extensions to operations initially planned for the Northern Winter 2023/24 season.

Qatar Airways: A Global Hub-and-Spoke Network

Qatar Airways, headquartered in the iconic Qatar Airways Tower in Doha, operates through a hub-and-spoke network. The airline connects travelers to over 150 international destinations across continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. These extensive operations originate from their primary hub at Hamad International Airport, utilizing a diverse fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

Key Highlights of the International Schedule Adjustments

As reported by Aeroroutes on October 19, 2023, here are the latest adjustments to Qatar Airways’ international schedule:

Doha – Accra – Abidjan

Effective April 19, 2024, the service will increase from 5 to 6 weekly flights, utilizing the 787-8 aircraft.
Effective July 1, 2024, the planned increase to 7 weekly flights remains unchanged, operated with the 787-8.

Doha – Athens

Effective from October 4, 2024, the service is reduced from 14 to 11 weekly flights.

Doha – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

Effective March 31, 2024, the A380 service reduces from 2 to 1 daily flight. Overall, there will be 1 daily A380 flight and 3 daily 777-300ER flights.

Doha – Barcelona

Effective March 31, 2024, the service increases from 18 to 21 weekly flights, with the 787-9 replacing the A350-900XWB and 787-8.

Doha – Brussels

Effective March 31, 2024, the 10 weekly service is maintained instead of the previously filed 7 weekly flights. The route will be operated by the 787-8.

Doha – Casablanca – Marrakech

Effective April 1, 2024, the Marrakech service resumes with 4 weekly flights operated by the 787-8. Overall service for Casablanca increases from 3 weekly in NW23 to 4 weekly.

Doha – Dusseldorf

Effective March 31, 2024, the 2 daily 787-9 service is maintained, instead of the previously filed -8.

Doha – Edinburgh

Effective March 31, 2024, the 2 daily A350-900XWB service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 787-8.

Doha – London Heathrow

Effective March 31, 2024, the service increases from the previously filed 42 weekly flights to 49, as reflected during the week of October 16, 2023’s schedule update.

Doha – Madrid

Effective March 31, 2024, 1 of 2 daily flights, QR149/150, will be operated by the 777-300ER, maintained instead of the previously filed A350-900XWB.

Doha – Manchester

Effective March 31, 2024, the 21 weekly service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 18 weekly flights (except for May 31, 2024).
Effective October 2, 2024, QR023/024 will see 3 of 7 weekly flights operated by the 787-9, replacing the -8.

Doha – Milan Malpensa

Effective March 31, 2024, the 3 daily A350-900XWB service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 787-8/-9.

Doha – Munich

Effective March 31, 2024, the 2 daily 787-9 service is maintained, instead of the previously filed -8.

Doha – Rome Fiumicino

Effective March 31, 2024, the 3 daily A350-900XWB service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 787-8.

Doha – Washington Dulles

Effective March 31, 2024, the 3 weekly QR709/710 A350-900XWB service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 777-300ER. From October 4, 2024, 1 of 3 weekly flights will be operated by the A350-1000XWB.

Doha – Yerevan

Effective March 31, 2024, the 1 daily A320 service is maintained, instead of the previously filed 10 weekly flights.

Final Words

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Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Plans to Offer Complimentary Starlink Internet Details Yet to Be Disclosed

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

Qatar Airways Plans to Offer Complimentary Starlink Internet Details Yet to Be Disclosed. In a recent development, Qatar Airways, a long-standing user of Inmarsat-now-Viasat Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite-based inflight connectivity service, has indicated its intention to offer SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation onboard Internet to its passengers on a complimentary basis. This offering will be accessible to passengers with a simple “one-click” process.

Rollout on Specific Aircraft and Routes

According to an official press release from Qatar Airways, the low-latency In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) service will be introduced on “specific aircraft and routes.” The airline has also mentioned that they are currently in the pre-launch phase of the rollout strategy in collaboration with Starlink. SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales, Jonathan Hofeller, has expressed that Starlink is “set to support the entire Qatar Airways fleet.”

This news emerged following the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO event in Long Beach, where Qatar Airways Group’s Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. During this event, Starlink executives met with airline representatives in a nearby hotel.

Changing Landscape in In-Flight Connectivity

The Qatar Airways-Starlink collaboration signifies a shift in the in-flight connectivity landscape. Traditional GEO satellites are being challenged by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink. For example, Flexjet has announced plans to replace the Viasat hardware on some of its aircraft with Starlink.

Viasat acquisition of Inmarsat, coupled with these changes, has led to some Inmarsat value-added resellers reevaluating their positions. SITA, a service provider to Qatar Airways, has already disclosed its intention to exit the cabin connectivity market by January 2025.

Seeking Clarity from Qatar Airways

Runway Girl Network reached out to Qatar Airways to seek clarification on several points. They inquired about:

Qatar Airways plan regarding the replacement of Inmarsat (now Viasat) GX inflight connectivity hardware with Starlink.
Whether Starlink will be deployed across Qatar Airways’ entire fleet.
Commencement dates for supplemental type certifications and Starlink installations.
Which aircraft type will be the first to receive the new hardware.
The impact of SITA’s decision to cease being a GX value-added reseller on Qatar Airways’ decision to select Starlink.
Qatar Airways’ plans for continuing to roll out Inmarsat GX on its 787-9s.

Qatar Airways Response

In response to these queries, a Qatar Airways spokesperson stated via email that they would keep Runway Girl Network updated on any future operational developments. In a follow-up exchange, when further clarity on the deal was sought, the spokesperson requested the removal of a specific phrase from their press release.

Implications and Future Plans

In the absence of comprehensive details, it seems logical for Qatar Airways to consider introducing Starlink initially on its 787-8s. This fleet has seen recent in-seat In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) upgrades but still lacks true broadband connectivity.

Once Starlink is operational on Qatar Airways aircraft, passengers can anticipate complimentary access to ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up up to 350 Mbps, which can be used for various Internet-based services including video streaming, gaming, web browsing, and more. In contrast, the airline presently charges $10 for inflight access to its ‘Super Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Qatar Airways, in its press release, also proudly asserts its position as “the largest airline to collaborate with Starlink.” Other notable Starlink customers include Part 135 operator JSX, Hawaiian Airlines (launch delayed until early next year), airBaltic, and ZIPAIR.