Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Partners With Starlink For Inflight High-speed Connectivity

Published

5 months ago

March 29, 2024

Admin

Qatar Airways Partners With Starlink For Inflight High-speed Connectivity. Qatar Airways has chosen Starlink’s inflight connectivity system to offer passengers high-speed, low-latency internet access on select aircraft and routes. Starlink, the world’s largest satellite internet network developed by SpaceX, will provide this service.

High-Speed Internet Access

Once this service becomes operational, passengers will enjoy complimentary cabin Wi-Fi with speeds of up to 350 Megabits per second. This rapid connectivity will support various internet-based activities such as video streaming, gaming, enriched web browsing, and more.

Rollout in Progress

Qatar Airways and Starlink are currently in the pre-launch phase of deploying this service across the airline’s fleet.

Qatar Airways CEO Perspective

Akbar Al Baker, the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Qatar Airways is proud to announce its agreement with Starlink to provide seamless and complimentary Wi-Fi to its global passengers. This exciting collaboration aligns with our industry-leading commitment to technological advancement and presents a remarkable opportunity to connect Starlink with our worldwide passengers.”

Seamless In-Flight Connectivity

The Starlink service will gradually extend to more aircraft, according to Jonathan Hofeller, SpaceX’s VP of Starlink Commercial Sales. He stated, “With Starlink set to support the entire Qatar Airways fleet, passengers traveling to over 160 destinations globally will have access to the most advanced high-speed internet service from space. Passengers will experience seamless internet connectivity throughout their flight, from gate to gate, all from the comfort of their seats.”

Expanding Partnerships

Qatar Airways is the most recent and largest airline to collaborate with Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet service. Other airlines, such as JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, and ZIPAIR, are also implementing this service.

FAQs

Q1) How does the Starlink inflight connectivity service provided by Qatar Airways work?

Ans:- Qatar Airways has partnered with Starlink to offer complimentary high-speed internet access to passengers. The service is provided through Starlink’s satellite internet network, which is engineered and operated by SpaceX, and it is available on specific aircraft and routes. Passengers can easily connect to the onboard cabin Wi-Fi with speeds of up to 350 Megabits per second for various internet-based activities.

Q2) When will the Starlink inflight connectivity service be available to passengers on Qatar Airways flights?

Ans:- The rollout of the Starlink inflight connectivity service is currently in the pre-launch phase across Qatar Airways’ fleet. While specific launch dates may vary, the airline is actively working on implementing the service. Passengers can expect this service to be gradually introduced on more aircraft.

Q3) Is Qatar Airways the only airline partnering with Starlink for inflight connectivity, and where can passengers expect to use this service?

Ans:- Qatar Airways is one of several airlines partnering with Starlink for high-speed, low-latency inflight internet connectivity. Other airlines, such as JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, and ZIPAIR, are also implementing the service. Passengers traveling on Qatar Airways to over 160 destinations around the world will be able to enjoy this advanced internet service from space, ensuring connectivity from gate to gate on select routes.

Conclusion

Qatar Airways collaboration with Starlink promises to revolutionize inflight connectivity, offering passengers high-speed internet access for diverse activities, setting a new standard in the airline industry.

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.