Gulf Air Partners with Starlink for In-Flight Internet Access
Gulf Air and Starlink Partnership Overview
Bahrain's national airline, Gulf Air, has officially partnered with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to introduce onboard internet connectivity for its passengers. This collaboration enhances Elon Musk’s ventures, giving them a competitive edge in the Middle Eastern airline connectivity landscape.
Starlink Internet Rollout on Gulf Air Fleet
Airbus A320 Deployment Timeline
As announced on Tuesday, Starlink is set to launch its service on Gulf Air's Airbus A320s by mid-year, with plans to subsequently extend the offering to the entire fleet.
Free In-Flight Internet for Passengers
Passengers will enjoy this internet service at no additional cost, according to a Bloomberg report picked up by Al Arabiya Business.
Previous Discussions Between Gulf Air and Starlink
In August, Bloomberg revealed that Gulf Air, alongside Saudi Arabia's national carrier, was engaged in discussions with Starlink to integrate this technology into their fleets.
SpaceX Starlink Expansion in Aviation
Starlink Satellite Network and Speed Advantage
With around 8,000 satellites in orbit, SpaceX has made significant strides in the aviation sector, delivering the fastest internet speeds available. The company inked deals with major airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and several prominent carriers in the Middle East last year.
Starlink Adoption by Gulf Region Airlines
Qatar Airways was the first airline in the Arabian Gulf to implement Starlink service, beginning with flights in 2024. Additionally, in November, SpaceX finalized an agreement with Emirates, the largest international airline globally, as well as its sister airline Flydubai.
Gulf Air Fleet and Aircraft Expansion
Gulf Air's fleet comprises approximately 40 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the smaller Airbus A320s and A321s. Last July, the airline expanded its capabilities by acquiring 18 Dreamliner jets.
