News

Qatar Airways Debuts World’s First Boeing 777 Starlink Flight

The airline has ambitious plans to roll out the high-speed, low-latency service across its entire Boeing 777 fleet within a year.

Published

3 months ago

October 23, 2024

Nour Nasir

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has taken a significant step ahead of the competition by being the first operator to offer Starlink internet on a Boeing 777 aircraft traveling from Doha to London.

As the largest and first airline in the MENA region to offer Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet, Qatar Airways continues to raise the bar for in-flight services after winning the coveted Skytrax “World’s Best Airline” for 2024 award.

Initially, the carrier planned to outfit three Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink technology. However, by the end of 2024, the airline will have upgraded 12 Boeing 777-300s with this service. Further ahead, the entire Boeing 777 fleet is set to be Starlink-equipped by 2025, one year earlier than originally scheduled, with the Airbus A350 fleet following suit by mid-2025.

This rollout demonstrates Qatar Airways’ dedication to enhancing in-flight connectivity and will enable passengers to stay in touch with family and friends, stream media, watch live sports, work remotely, and even play online games — all at 35,000 feet.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed excitement about the debut flight, stating: “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry”.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

He continued, “Paired with our commitment to rapidly rollout Starlink across our entire modern fleet, [Qatar Airways] demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel”.

By launching its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, Qatar Airways has achieved several milestones, including operating the world’s first Boeing 777 widebody with the service onboard. Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership with SpaceX ensures passengers will continue to enjoy an unmatched in-flight experience, and not only represents a breakthrough for Qatar Airways but also sets a new standard for in-flight connectivity globally.

Related Topics:Aviation Qatar Airways Starlink

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Daleel Expands To UAE, Tapping Into $44B Finance Market

The Bahrain-based company offers a personalized financial marketplace with regional expansion supported by investors Flat6Labs and Salica.

Published

18 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Nour Nasir

daleel expands to uae tapping into $44 billion finance market

Daleel, a personalized financial marketplace originally founded in Bahrain, has officially entered the UAE market supported by notable investors, including Flat6Labs and Salica. Known for its ability to connect customers with tailored financial products, Daleel has gained significant traction in its home country, and the company is now eying the wider Middle East’s massive personal finance market, valued at an estimated $44.4 billion.

The platform’s UAE debut was hosted at Visa’s CEMEA Market Support Center in Dubai, marking another milestone for Daleel. The company gained regional attention when it clinched first place and $40,000 in funding at the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative finals in Saudi Arabia.

daleel expands to uae

Daleel’s expansion is supported by notable investors, including Flat6Labs and Salica. At the launch event, several key figures in the fintech and financial sectors were present, including Daleel’s co-founders, CEO PK Shrivastava and COO Ridaa Shah.

Reflecting on the launch, PK Shrivastava said, “Launching in the UAE is a landmark moment for the company, and we are pleased to do so alongside Visa, who have championed us from the start. There is a real demand across the region for personalized finance, and we believe this is the right time to expand our marketplace to connect more customers with the best financial solutions”.

Also Read: How (And Why) To Start A Tech Business In Dubai

Daleel’s team combines expertise in open banking, finance, and technology, which has enabled the company to refine its platform for the regional market. Their data-driven system is designed to quickly match customers with financial products, ranging from credit cards and mortgages to savings accounts, offering personalized options in seconds. This transparency and efficiency benefit consumers while providing financial institutions with more cost-effective ways to acquire customers and create data-informed products.

Looking ahead, Daleel plans to secure an open finance license in 2025, which will allow even deeper integration with financial institutions. The company’s ultimate goal is to build a financial ecosystem where decisions that used to take weeks can now be made in minutes, empowering users to achieve better financial outcomes.