Qatar Airways has partnered with satellite technology firm Starlink to make aviation history by hosting the world’s first in-flight e-sports competition at 35,000 feet.
The launch of the pioneering e-sports competition dubbed ‘Gaming in the Sky’ took place on May 11, 2025, onboard a commercial aircraft from Doha to London.
Qatar Airways, in a statement, said that 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.
Team Burgundy Oryx and Team Grey Aviators faced off in a friendly mid-air showdown, enabled by Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet.
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Qatar Airways partners with Starlink to host first in-flight gaming competition
The players competed in real-time with uninterrupted gameplay and live updates on Qatar Airways’ social media channels.
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.
“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,” said the airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
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 will allow 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,” the statement adds.
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Awards
Qatar Airways is currently the largest global airline and the first and only in the Middle East and North Africa (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 the Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink connectivity.
It won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax, having been the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Qatar Airways was also recently voted the ‘World’s Best Airline Website’ by World Travel Tech Awards in 2024.
The airline currently operates daily flights between Doha and Nairobi, connecting Kenyan travellers to over 170 destinations worldwide through its state-of-the-art hub at Hamad International Airport.
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