Qatar Airways Adds Starlink To 787s, Rolls It Out On A350

Qatar AirwayS has become the first airline globally to equip the Boeing 787-8 with Starlink, while also completing the world’s first Airbus A350 Starlink installation program, further cementing its position as the industry leader in high-speed in-flight connectivity.

The Doha-based carrier now operates nearly 120 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, spanning Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The rollout means more than 58% of the airline’s widebody fleet now offers ultra-high-speed connectivity at speeds of up to 500 Mbps, enabling gate-to-gate internet access on long- and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents, subject to local regulations.

First-of-Its-Kind Installations

Following its Boeing 777 linkage program, QR completed the entire A350 Starlink installation within eight months, finishing in December 2025. The airline has now extended the technology to its 787 fleet, with three Boeing 787-8s already flying with Starlink, making QR the first carrier worldwide to secure Starlink certification on the 787-8.

Within 14 months, QR launched and completed Starlink installations on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, before expanding the program to the 787, marking what the airline describes as the fastest widebody connectivity rollout in aviation history.

Since the airline launched its Starlink service in October 2024, it says more than 11 million of its passengers have used the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi onboard. In a global context, Starlink connected approximately 21 million airline passengers in 2025, with Qatar Airways accounting for nearly half of that total, underscoring the scale of its deployment relative to the wider industry.

Passengers on Starlink-equipped aircraft can stream, video call, and work in real time, with performance that the airline says can exceed many home broadband connections. The service is now available on flights to most of QR’s destinations in the Americas and Australia, as well as on key routes across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Beyond the passenger experience, Starlink is also reshaping Qatar Airways’ internal operations. Real-time connectivity enables instant flight and roster updates to crew devices, improves coordination between cabin crew and ground teams during medical or service-related events, and enables engineering teams to monitor in-flight entertainment systems in real time, allowing issues to be addressed before aircraft land.

These capabilities are designed to improve decision-making, reduce delays, and enhance turnaround efficiency, extending the impact of in-flight connectivity well beyond customer-facing services.

The New Oneworld Lounges Coming To New York JFK

Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will unveil new JFK lounges in 2026.

Cathay's new JFK lounge will boast the 'signature look' already established at The Pier, among others.

Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways will cut the ribbon on flagship JFK lounges in 2026 – and with modern design, a contemporary menu and no shortage of comfortable seating, they’ll be the perfect pit-stop ahead of flights to Asia and the Gulf region.

The Cathay Pacific New York JFK lounge will be at the transformed Terminal 6, which will host CX flights after the airline moves across from its current home at Terminal 8.

Cathay currently flies out from T8, along with many other Oneworld airlines, and directs its passengers to the shared American Airlines & British Airways lounges.

“But it was always on our wish list to have our own lounge because it’s such an important port,” Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau has previously told Executive Traveller.

“JFK is a very strategic location (with) a lot of premium passengers flying on that route... so when we decided that we are going to move to this new Terminal 6 and they offered us a location where we can have our own lounge, we basically jumped at the opportunity.”

Cathay is planning a decidedly premium lounge spanning some 10,000ft2 (930m2) – making it close to half the size of The Pier First Lounge in Hong Kong – which will likewise adopt that same elegant “signature” design which has become a Cathay trademark.

Visitors can look forward to familiar elements such as the Noodle Bar, plush furnishings and high-end finishes.

It's not a Cathay Pacific lounge without a Noodle Bar.

However, Cathay has also teased that its JFK T6 lounge “will feature a number of exciting developments that will put it at the forefront of our lounge proposition.”

Also on the move is Qatar Airways, which in the second half of 2026 will relocate from JFK Terminal 8 to Terminal 1 – or “The New Terminal One”, as JFK T1 styles itself.

JFK's The New Terminal One is slated to open in mid-2026.

The Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at New York JFK T1 will be the airline’s first in the USA, sprawling across 15,000ft2 (1,400m2) and boasting direct access from the lounge to the boarding gates used by Qatar Airways flights to Doha.

Visitors can expect everything from “VIP check-in services” and premium à la carte dining to relaxation zones, children’s play areas and even a duty-free shopping outlet.

Qatar Airways is bringing its Doha lounge experience to New York.

However, as with most other Qatar Airways Premium Lounges, this one is expected to be exclusive to business class and first class passengers of Qatar Airways and other Oneworld airlines flying out of T1, with elite-tier frequent flyers being sent to one of the terminal’s independent lounges.

By David Flynn

Qatar Airways Is Opening Its First U.S. Lounge At The New Terminal One at JFK

Qatar Airways, named World’s Best Airline 2025 for a record ninth time by Skytrax, has selected The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as its new home in New York. The award-winning carrier will move its operations to the state-of-the-art terminal in 2026 and unveil a premium, 15,000-square-foot Qatar Airways lounge – the airline’s first dedicated lounge in both New York City and the United States.

The airline’s move to the New Terminal One and the opening of its first dedicated lounge at JFK Airport is in line with Qatar Airways’ commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience, and reflects the strategic importance of New York City in Qatar Airways’ global network.

Offering efficient direct access to the boarding gate from Qatar Airways’ exclusive lounge, the new facility will provide an elevated experience featuring premium food and beverage options and best-in-class amenities including VIP check-in services, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, children’s play areas, premium dining options, and duty-free shopping for Qatar Airways Business Class passengers.

In partnership with Qatar Airways, the New Terminal One will deliver an exceptional guest experience from arrival to departure. The terminal’s modern architecture, light-filled spaces and advanced technology will ensure a seamless and relaxing customer journey that complements Qatar Airways’ world-renowned onboard service.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, look forward to launching our operations at JFK Airport’s New Terminal One and welcoming Qatar Airways Business Class passengers to our first-ever exclusive lounge in the US. Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the World’s Best service at New Terminal One.

“Our move demonstrates the evolution of Qatar Airways’ long-standing commitment to connecting global travellers to New York and expanding our services in the destination integral to our network in the US.”

The New Terminal One CEO, Jennifer Aument, said: “We thank the Qatar Airways team for their confidence in us as we begin this exciting new chapter together at JFK. As an airline long synonymous with excellence, Qatar Airways’ decision to partner with the New Terminal One reaffirms the strong value we offer international carriers seeking to grow their presence in New York.”

The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, which will include two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.

Qatar Airways launched operations in New York in 2008 at Terminal 8 at JFK Airport. The airline’s network in the US spans 11 destinations to serve more than 3 million passengers annually. With 18 weekly flights from JFK, Qatar Airways connects travellers from the US to over 170 destinations worldwide through its home and hub – Doha’s award-winning Hamad International Airport.

Qatar World Cup Ticket Sales To Open, Lowest $70 Globally

Fans can start registering to buy Qatar World Cup tickets on Wednesday with prices for visitors starting at around $70, one-third cheaper than the tournament in Russia.

The category-three tickets on international sale will be 250 Qatari riyals ($69), two people with knowledge of the prices said Tuesday, compared to $105 for the equivalent in 2018. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ticketing process.

The cheapest tickets — in category four only for Qatari residents — will cost 40 Qatari riyals ($11), the people said. The intended ticket prices will be the cheapest at a World Cup since $3 seats in Mexico — based on 1986 exchange rates — and half the price of those made available to locals at the equivalent of $22 in Russia in 2018.

The low entry point for tickets in Qatar could help to provide access to the low-paid migrant worker population for the Nov. 21-Dec. 18 tournament. The cheapest tickets at the 2019 world track and field championships were 60 Qatari riyals ($17) and entry was eventually made free for workers to fill empty seats.

FIFA tickets will be distributed through a regulated process rather than an open sale with the full range of prices still to be announced. Supporters requesting to attend matches at the Middle East’s first World Cup will only discover if they are successful based on a random draw at the conclusion of the first application phase which runs through Feb. 8.

The ticket process is beginning with only 13 of the 32 slots at the tournament filled and qualifying not concluding until the intercontinental playoffs in June.

FIFA aims to generate $500 million from hospitality rights and ticket sales from the World Cup, according to the governing body’s most recent financial report.

Unlike previous World Cups, little travel will be required once in Qatar with the eight newly built stadiums within a 30-mile radius of Doha.

Travel during the tournament figures to be the shortest since the 1954 tournament in Switzerland, but hotel availability could be tight.

Local organizers have reserved most hotels in Qatar so there was no availability showing on Tuesday to book for the duration of the tournament when searching online.

Rooms in hotels, apartments and cruise liners will be made available via a website later this year. Only around 90,000 rooms will be made available to the public with 40,000 set aside for teams, officials, sponsors and media.

While camping in the desert had previously been touted as a means of finding space for fans, that is now being downplayed as a significant option. There will be 4,000 cabins on cruise ships that will dock in Doha for the tournament.

Qatar Airways, a FIFA sponsor, is already selling packages including flights, hotels and tickets guaranteed to follow your country.

World Cup organizers have also said more than 1.2 million visitors will come. The group stage features 32 teams with games across 12 days when Qatar anticipates 559,000 flying in with a peak of 276,000 ticket holders around Nov. 27 and 28 requiring an estimated 128,000 rooms.

Some fans could still be deterred from flying to the World Cup after a decade of criticism of Qatar’s treatment of the migrant workers, who are largely from southwest Asia and have been relied on to build up the infrastructure since winning the FIFA hosting rights in 2010.

Qatar Airways To Launch Flights Between Seattle And Doha

SEATTLE (AP) — Though international air travel remains depressed by the global pandemic, Qatar Airways said Tuesday it will launch four weekly flights between Seattle and Doha on March 15, 2021.

The big Persian Gulf carrier also announced a frequent flyer partnership with Alaska Airlines that will begin next Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Seattle Times reported. That will allow Alaska’s fliers to earn miles on Qatar flights beginning on that date, when it introduces service between Doha and San Francisco. Qatar said it will rebuild its network post-pandemic, providing travelers from Seattle with alternative flights to destinations in India, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck suggested the opening of the Doha route lends support to the Port’s continued investment in two large infrastructure projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: the International Arrivals Facility and North Satellite Modernization. “This commitment by Qatar Airways, despite the current situation with the pandemic, is a testament to how the world views the long-term strength and resiliency of the Puget Sound region,” Steinbrueck said in a statement.

World's Best Airlines For 2019 Revealed By Skytrax

(CNN) — The results are in -- Qatar Airways is back on top with flying colors, nabbing the top spot at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Last year, the Gulf carrier was pipped to the post by Singapore Airlines, but now QatarAirways is celebrating its fifth time grabbing the prestigious accolade -- having previously won in 2017, 2015, 2012 and 2011.

Qatar Airways also won World's Best Business Class, World's Best Business Class Seat and Best Airline in the Middle East.

Singapore Airlines -- the carrier known for running the world's longest flight -- took second place but also won key awards including World's Best Cabin Crew, World's Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia and World's Best First Class Seat.

In the world of budget air travel, AirAsia won World's Best Low-Cost Airline and Japan Airlines won World's Best Economy Class and Economy Class Seat.

"It is a proud moment for the airline as our constant innovation and service standards set the benchmark in our industry," says Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker.

The Skytrax awards are seen as among the most prestigious in the business -- they're voted for by consumers.

Airline executives celebrated at a ceremony held at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France.

Big winners

The top 10 is a familiar who's-who of the aviation world -- with no big shake-ups.

Qantas Airways nabbed number 8 on the list, after failing to make the top 10 in 2019.

Lufthansa is still the only European airline able to break the top 10.

British Airways, which failed to win any accolade in 2018, this year won Best Airline Staff in Europe, Best Airline Staff in the United Kingdom and Most Improved Airline in Europe.

Last year, US carriers failed to win any of the global awards -- but this year, United Airlines won World's Best Business Class Lounge.

The Best Airline in North America is still Air Canada -- which also scooped the prize for World's Best Business Class Lounge Dining.

Air France continues its reputation for haute cuisine in the sky with its win for World's Best First Class Onboard Catering, while if you're flying economy you'll apparently find the best food on board an EVA Air flight.

Best inflight entertainment went to Emirates and EVA Air also topped the ranking of the World's Cleanest Airlines.

Qatar Airways was named the World's Best Airline for the fifth time.

KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

World's Best Airlines for 2019

1. Qatar Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. ANA All Nippon Airways

4. Cathay Pacific

5. Emirates

6. EVA Air

7. Hainan Airlines

8. Qantas Airways

9. Lufthansa

10. Thai Airways

World's Cleanest Airlines for 2019

1. EVA Air

2. Japan Airlines

3. ANA All Nippon Airways

4. Singapore Airlines

5. Asiana Airlines

6. Hainan Airlines

7. Swiss International Air Lines

8. Cathay Pacific

9. Qatar Airways

10. Lufthansa

Best Airlines -- by Global Region

Northern Europe -- Finnair

Western Europe -- Lufthansa

Eastern Europe -- Aeroflot Russian Airlines

Africa -- Ethiopian Airlines

Australia / Pacific -- Qantas Airlines

Central Asia / India -- Air Astana

China -- Hainan Airlines

Central America / Caribbean -- Copa Airlines

South America -- LATAM

North America -- Air Canada

Asia -- Singapore Airlines

Middle East -- Qatar Airways

Europe -- Lufthansa

Best Low-Cost Airlines

Africa -- Fastjet

Australia & Pacific -- Jetstar Airways

Asia -- AirAsia

Central Asia / India -- IndiGo

China -- West Air

South America -- Sky Airline

Southwest Airlines -- WestJet

Middle East -- Flynas

Europe -- EasyJet

Best Airline Catering

Air France impressed with its haute cuisine.

Courtesy AirFrance

Economy -- EVA Air

Premium Economy -- Austrian Airlines

Business -- ANA All Nippon Airways

First Class -- Air France

Best Airline Seats

Economy -- Japan Airlines

Premium economy -- Virgin Atlantic

Business -- Qatar Airways

First class -- Singapore Airlines

Best Regional Airlines

World's Best Regional Airline -- Bangkok Airways

Africa -- Royal Air Maroc

Asia -- Bangkok Airways

South America -- Azul Brazilian Airlines

North America -- JetBlue Airways

Central Asia / India -- Azerbaijan Airlines

Best Airline Lounges

First class -- Swiss International Airlines

Business Class Lounge -- United Airlines

Airline alliance lounge -- Star Alliance Los Angeles

Independent airport lounge -- Plaza Premium Heathrow Terminal Two

First class lounge dining -- Air France

Best Airlines Staff Service -- by Global Region

Africa -- South African Airways

Australia / Pacific -- Fiji Airways

Central Asia / India -- Vistara

China -- Hainan Airlines

Central America / Caribbean -- Copa Airlines

South America -- Azul Brazilian Airlines

North America -- Delta Air Lines

Asia -- Thai Airways

Middle East -- Flynas

Europe -- British Airways

Francesca Street, CNN

Qatar Airways Nearly Doubles The Number Of Global Destinations Accessible To Philadelphia Passengers

Qatar Airways adjusts departure time of daily Philadelphia flight to Doha to expand connections to an additional 25 locations across India, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe as of February 1^st, 2018.

In response to growing demand from customers, Qatar Airways daily flights departing from Philadelphia will be retimed to connect passengers to an additional 25 destinations around the world starting February 1^st, 2018; nearly doubling Philadelphians’ access to Qatar Airways global network. The later departing flight from Philadelphia will enable passengers to access a multitude of coveted destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, Armenia and many more. In addition, the updated service will connect Qatar Airways award-wining hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport with over 13 destinations across India; opening up the subcontinent to both leisure and business travelers. 

Qatar Airways Vice President for the Americas, Günter Saurwein, said: “Qatar Airways is intent on guaranteeing the best quality service to our dedicated passengers, which includes ensuring our flights fit the needs of our customers in each gateway. Philadelphia has embraced our services in their market for the past three years and we, in return, are happy to support the local businesses and community by responding to their needs. As the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding region continue to flourish in such areas as Pharmaceuticals, Consulting, IT and more, we are confident this new departure time will support their growth as well as meet the needs of leisure travelers alike.”

The updated DOHA-PHILADELPHIA daily schedule effective February 1^st, 2018:

QR728 Philadelphia (PHL) to Doha (DOH) departs 20:15 arrives 16:35 (next day)

QR727 Doha (DOH) to Philadelphia (PHL) departs 08:00 arrives 14:10

Qatar Airways has notified passengers on flights to and from Philadelphia after February 1^st, 2018, of the revised schedule. Any additional inquiries or questions concerning the new schedule can be addressed through Qatar Airways Customer Service Center at +1-877-777-2827.

While the new departure has expanded customer’s choice of destinations, the Qatar Airways flight will continue to connect the people of Philadelphia with existing service to its most desirable  locales; including the ever-popular choices of Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, to name but a few.

Qatar Airways operates daily, non-stop flight service to Doha from Philadelphia International Airport on its state-of-the-art Airbus A350. Qatar Airways was the launch customer for the A350 and debuted the fuel-efficient aircraft on January 1, 2016, to the Philadelphia market; making it Qatar Airways’ first A350 destination into the USA.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways marked three years of daily, nonstop service between Philadelphia International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport by donating hundreds of its beloved children’s amenity kits to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Plush infant toys Elefun and Mr. Potato Head, as well as classic favorites, such as Clue Junior, Guess Who and Monopoly, are amongst the toys provided in the children’s amenity kits; bringing some delight to children facing challenging medical obstacles.

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, celebrating 20 years of operations globally and 10 years of service to the USA, Qatar Airways offers a network of more than 150 international destinations, with newly-launched additions to such desirable destinations as Chiang Mai, Thailand; Prague, Czech Republic; Sohar, Sultanate of Oman; Kiev, Ukraine and Auckland, New Zealand. Additionally, the airline has announced upcoming service to Canberra, Australia; Pattaya, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; and many more. Qatar Airways serves 10 cities across the USA; including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades this year, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition. Qatar Airways also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.