Qatar Airways, in partnership with Starlink, has broken new ground with the first-ever game competition onboard a commercial aircraft during a flight from Doha to London on 11 May.
The tournament brought together a global roster of top gaming and entertainment talent, including Tfue, Castro1021, Lisa Zimouche, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Dantic, SV2, AJ3, Aameghessib, Danny Aarons, Ffearfful, MattHDGamer, and Slater with a special appearance by Oussifooty as the host. The experience marked a new milestone in the convergence of aviation, entertainment, and technology.
At 35,000 feet, the airline transformed the skies into a competitive gaming arena as two teams – Team Burgundy Oryx and Team Grey Aviators – faced off in a friendly mid-air showdown. Enabled by Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet, players competed in real-time with uninterrupted gameplay and live updates on Qatar Airways’ social media channels.
“At Qatar Airways, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sky to deliver an in-flight experience that captures the imagination and makes you feel right at home,” Qatar Airways group chief executive officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said. “This competition represents a bold step into the future of passenger engagement and comfort when flying with Qatar Airways.”
Fans around the world followed the journey through Qatar Airways’ social media platforms, where in-flight highlights and behind-the-scenes footage were shared throughout the flight.
The competition took place as Qatar Airways nears completion of its Boeing 777 fleet upgrade with Starlink connectivity, and just as the airline begins introducing the world’s first Airbus A350 equipped with Starlink. This strategic step allows more passengers to enjoy fully complimentary, ultra-fast Wi-Fi for streaming, gaming, and working seamlessly at 35,000 feet, further cementing Qatar Airways’ position at the forefront of aviation technology and passenger experience.
Qatar Airways is currently the largest global airline and the first and only in the MENA region offering Starlink’s high-speed internet on-board. The multiple-award-winning airline also operates the largest Starlink-equipped fleet of widebody aircraft and is the first in the world to equip Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink connectivity.
