Expect to see the SpaceX Starlink inflight internet service in service on Qatar Airways by the end of the year. The program, announced last October, aims to provide the first three fitted aircraft by the end of 2024 in the form of a few 777s. That would be quicker than any of the other Starlink customers to see kit installed, but also aligns with the announced development timing of the certification program. The carrier anticipates deployment of the new Wi-Fi service – free to customers on board – across the rest of its fleet in the two years that follow.
Similarly, airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss confirmed his expectation that the system would be live on the Riga-based carrier from later this year. AirBaltic’s installation timeline is more aggressive than that of Qatar Airways, however. Gauss expects the full fleet to be fitted during the winter 2024-2025 season.
Neither of those bits are particularly surprising given the prior announcements from the companies involved. Other conversations at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024, however, did uncover a few unexpected bits.
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