Qatar Airways launches world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight – Newstrends
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Qatar Airways launches world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight

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Qatar Airways launches world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight

Qatar Airways has elevated the future of in-flight connectivity by flying the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 from Doha to London. On Tuesday, October 22.

This achievement establishes Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2024, as an industry leader in introducing advanced technology onboard.

The airline is the largest and first carrier in the MENA region to provide passengers with Starlink ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet. Starlink is free for all passengers and runs from gate to gate.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is also set to exceed its initial target of three Starlink-equipped aircraft by introducing 12 Boeing 777-300s upgraded with this innovative service by the end of 2024.

Qatar Airways has further committed to rolling out the technology on its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025, one year ahead of schedule with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of 2025.

This significant move highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to bridging the gap between the skies and the ground by offering ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet.

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Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit that will provide passengers reliable, high-speed internet so they can stay connected with friends and family, stream their favourite entertainment, watch live sports, play online games, or work efficiently at 35,000 feet – all for free and with a simple ‘one-click-access’.

Commenting on the development, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry.

“This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll-out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel.

“By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.”

Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals.

In his remarks, SpaceX CEO,  Elon Musk said: “Overtime you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here”.

Qatar Airways launches world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight

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Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months

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Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months

Revenue generated from rail transport fell by 4.7 percent year-on-year (YoY) to N2.19 billion in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3’24), from N2.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2023, Q3’23.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this yesterday in its Rail Transportation Data for Q3’24.

The breakdown of the revenue shows N1.7 billion was received from passengers while N412.57 million was collected on goods/cargo, and N51.85 million received from the movement of goods/cargo through pipelines. It also generated N34.77 million from income line categorized as ‘Other Receipts’.

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The Bureau also said that 743,205 passengers travelled through the rail system during the period.

It stated: “In Q3’24, a total of 743,205 passengers travelled via rail system relative to 594,348 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2023, indicating a growth rate of 25.05 percent.

“The volume of goods/cargo transported via rail in Q3 2024 stood at 96,401 tons compared to 69,003 tons recorded in Q3 2023.

“In the quarter under review, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) reported an additional volume of goods/cargo transported via pipeline which stood at 7,320 tons, lower than 12,960 tons in Q3 2023.

“In terms of revenue generation, N1.7 billion was received from passengers during the reference period, showing an increase of 13.83 percent from the N1.49 billion recorded in the same quarter of the previous year”.

Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months

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JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja

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JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja

A cargo plane operated by Allied Air made an emergency landing at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport due to a malfunctioning landing gear.

The aircraft, bearing registration number 5N-JRT, experienced the failure on Wednesday at 10:00 am with six crew members on board.

“Fortunately, no casualties were recorded,” a source familiar with the incident said.

“Crew members were quickly evacuated and are undergoing medical evaluations at the 063 Nigerian Air Force medical unit.”

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“Emergency responders swiftly secured the crash site, cordoning off the area under Military Airport Commandant supervision.”

The source revealed that the airport’s runway is temporarily closed, causing flight delays.

Airport authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, are working to remove the aircraft and inspect the runway for potential damage.

This incident occurs three months after a Port Harcourt helicopter crash claimed three lives.

JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja

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FG stops Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport to Ede

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Governor Ademola Adeleke

FG stops Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport to Ede

The federal government has suspended the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following widespread controversies and protests.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede, his hometown.

The event was to feature key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.

However, the proposed relocation drew sharp criticism.

The Ido-Osun community staged protests, condemning the move as nepotistic and undemocratic.

Critics argued that the relocation prioritised personal interest over public good.

In defence, the Osun state government cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision.

In a letter dated December 6, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, the ministry directed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.

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The letter, obtained exclusively by The Nation, stated: “Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Osun State International Airport. I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.”

This development marks a significant setback for Governor Adeleke’s administration amid ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.

“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.

“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in synch before the project takes off.

“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”

FG stops Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport to Ede

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