SpaceX’s Starlink web service continues to make inroads across the globe.
Starlink supplied Wi-Fi on a Boeing 777 jet for the primary time at present (Oct. 22), throughout a Qatar Airways flight from the Qatari capital of Doha to London.
The 777 is the “largest and longest-range passenger plane outfitted with Starlink up to now,” SpaceX representatives stated in an emailed assertion at present.
#QatarAirways launches the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight. @StarlinkWe are proud to be the airline that leads the way in which, setting new requirements within the airline trade. ✈️#QatarAirwaysStarlink pic.twitter.com/347ZnclANbOctober 22, 2024
Qatar Airways marked the milestone with a press launch that was despatched right down to Earth throughout the flight utilizing Starlink. In accordance the discharge, the airline will equip its total 777 fleet with Starlink service — which will probably be free for passengers — in 2025.
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Qatar Airways additionally posted on YouTube a video name that its CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, held with SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk throughout the flight, once more utilizing Starlink service.
The Doha-based provider is not the one airline that has signed a Starlink service contract: SpaceX has additionally inked offers with United Airways, Hawaiian Airways and airBaltic, amongst others.
SpaceX at the moment operates greater than 6,400 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit. That is a powerful quantity to make sure, nevertheless it’s sure to continue to grow; the megaconstellation might finally swell to 40,000 or so.
“That is the minimal, and it solely will get higher from right here,” Musk stated throughout Monday’s video name with Al Meer.
