Report: Starlink expands in Middle East as Gulf Air adopts SpaceX internet service
Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has signed an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to deploy high speed onboard internet across its aircraft, adding another Middle East airline to Starlink’s rapidly growing aviation customer list.
Starlink service will begin operating on Gulf Air’s Airbus A320 aircraft starting in the middle of the year. The airline said the service will then be rolled out across its entire fleet. Gulf Air plans to offer the internet access free of charge to passengers.
The move comes after earlier reports that Gulf Air and Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier were in discussions with Starlink to equip their fleets. With this agreement now confirmed, Starlink strengthens its presence among major airlines in the region.
SpaceX has built a strong position in the aviation connectivity market by delivering some of the fastest inflight internet speeds in the industry using a constellation of roughly 8,000 satellites. Over the past year, Starlink has signed agreements with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Deutsche Lufthansa, and several large Middle Eastern carriers.
Qatar Airways became the first airline in the Persian Gulf to introduce Starlink on flights in 2024. In November, SpaceX also announced deals with Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and its sister carrier Flydubai.
Gulf Air operates a fleet of about 40 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners along with Airbus A320 and A321 jets. In July, the airline expanded its long haul capability with the purchase of 18 additional Dreamliners.
By starting with the A320 fleet and expanding to the full lineup, Gulf Air joins a growing list of airlines betting on Starlink to improve passenger experience with reliable, high speed connectivity at cruising altitude.
Source: Bloomberg
Elon Musk's SpaceX secures another win, as Gulf Air signs an agreement with Starlink to deploy Wi-Fi on Bahrain’s national carrier https://t.co/gD8z2Q6oVi
I just wrote an @itfglobalunion letter: Urgent call to investigate a conflict of interest threatening workers’ rights in Slovenia . Take action here: https://t.co/hASEuCRsdi
تعزية و مواساة
بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، يتقدم مجلس إدارة النقابة وجميع منتسبيها بخالص العزاء ومواساة الصادقة لأسرة الفقيدين رحمهما الله في الحادث الأليم الذي وقع بشركة بابكو للتكرير.
نسأل الله تعالى أن يتغمد الفقيدين بواسع رحمته، ويلهم أهلهما الصبر و العزاء. .
We're proud to announce the ITF's participation as observers on @icao! This is an exciting step to influencing essential regulatory matters in the aviation industry, such as workers’ rights, safety standards, and sustainable practices.
https://t.co/mYvMBm51fQ
إننا نقف بثبات في إصرارنا على دعم العمال الفلسطينيين والنقابات المنتسبة إلينا حتى يتم استعادة السلام والكرامة من خلال تقرير المصير وإقامة الدولة الفلسطينية.
الـITF يتعهد بمبلغ إضافي قدره 50,000 جنيه إسترليني لصندوق التضامن مع فلسطين ⬇️
We stand firm in our resolve to support Palestinian workers and our affiliated unions until peace and dignity are restored through self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
ITF pledge further £50,000 to Palestine Solidarity Fund ⬇️
https://t.co/HrDvUl7Afs
ETF joined @ITFglobalunion's Global Cabin Crew event in Amsterdam, for the International Cabin Crew Day! It is essential to recognise cabin crew as Safety Professionals, ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
#WeAreETF#CabinCrew
🕊️Leaders of 8 Global Union federations & the ITUC visited Ramallah this week, showing solidarity with unions in the West Bank & Gaza. We pledged to help local unions during these tough times, meeting with President Abbas & key officials.
✍️Read our full statement:
Wishing a happy International Cabin Crew Day to all cabin crew staff around Europe!
It is hard to imagine what aviation would possibly look like without the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of cabin crew. Thank you!
The Flight Attendants' Association of Australia union are launching their 'Fatigue Doesn't Fly' campaign, urging the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to introduce mandatory flight time and rest regulations for cabin crew.
Sign the petition 👇
https://t.co/FhD9EJGdja
نتمنى يومًا عالميًا سعيدًا لجميع أفراد طاقم الطائرة حول العالم!
يلعب هؤلاء العمال دورًا أساسيًا في الحفاظ على حركة العالم.
من الصعب أن نتخيل كيف سيكون شكل الطيران بدون التفاني والاحترافية والعمل الجاد لطاقم الطائرة. شكرًا لكم جميعاً!💪✊
#WeMoveTheWorld#ITFAviation
Cabin crew work tirelessly to contribute to safe, effective, and efficient operations.
On International Cabin Crew Day join us in saying thank you!
#cabincrewday