Qatar Airways has made aviation history by hosting the world’s first-ever in-flight e-sports competition, ‘Gaming in the Sky’, aboard a commercial aircraft flying from Doha to London.
Powered by cutting-edge Starlink connectivity, the event brought together top global gaming and entertainment personalities for an unforgettable mid-air tournament. Competing at an altitude of 35,000 feet, two teams – Team Burgundy Oryx and Team Grey Aviators – faced off in a friendly showdown that transformed the sky into a high-tech gaming arena.
Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet, players enjoyed uninterrupted gameplay and live interaction, with highlights and behind-the-scenes footage shared on Qatar Airways’ social media platforms in real-time.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, commented on the milestone event: “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. This competition represents a bold step into the future of passenger engagement and comfort when flying with Qatar Airways.”
The event also marked a significant step in Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to enhance in-flight connectivity. The airline is nearing the completion of its Boeing 777 fleet upgrade with Starlink internet and has become the first airline to introduce Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with Starlink connectivity.
With these advancements, Qatar Airways now operates the world’s largest fleet of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, offering passengers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi ideal for streaming, gaming, and working while flying.
As the largest global airline and the first in the MENA region to offer Starlink on-board, Qatar Airways continues to lead innovation in aviation technology and redefine the passenger experience.