Qatar Airways and Google Test In-Flight AI Film Production Using Starlink Connectivity
Qatar Airways, which currently operates the most Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, has introduced the “Sky Studio Challenge,” a Starlink-powered creative project developed with Google. The initiative demonstrated that full commercials can be generated, produced, completed, and uploaded during a single long-haul flight using the airline’s in-flight Starlink connectivity.
The activation took place on 17 November 2025 aboard a Qatar Airways Airbus A350 on a 15-hour flight from Doha to Atlanta. Using Google’s latest Gemini video and image generation models, two commercials were created entirely during the flight. The challenge involved generating, editing, rendering, and publishing AI-produced films before landing, supported by Starlink connectivity that enabled large file transfers, cloud-based workflows, and real-time collaboration with teams on the ground.
The project featured AI-focused filmmakers PJ Accetturo and Torey Kohara. Accetturo is known for fast-paced visual concepts and digital collaborations, while Kohara has directed several technology-related campaigns with a cinematic style. Their differing approaches highlighted a range of possibilities when combining AI tools with stable, high-bandwidth inflight internet.
The challenge was launched shortly after Qatar Airways announced that over 100 of its widebody aircraft are now equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. More than half of the airline’s widebody fleet currently offers this connectivity across long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes operated by Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. These aircraft serve destinations in the Americas, Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Babar Rahman, said: “This challenge shows how passengers can use in-flight connectivity during regular service. It has been valuable to work with Google and filmmakers PJ Accetturo and Torey Kohara to demonstrate how Gemini’s capabilities function onboard. Completing two commercial films during a single flight was possible as our Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft operate with consistent Wi-Fi access across our network.”
Google Regional Marketing Director Middle East and Africa, Najeeb Jarrar, said: “It is encouraging to see our AI models, including the Veo 3.1 video generation model, used in a practical and creative way. This approach allows advertising content to be produced in shorter timelines. We appreciate the efforts of both filmmakers and look forward to further collaboration with Qatar Airways.”
Although commercials have previously been filmed inside aircraft, this activation focused on producing complete AI-generated films within one flight and publishing them before landing. Starlink’s bandwidth enabled editing, rendering, and cloud processing that were traditionally carried out on the ground.
The films created on 17 November 2025 are available on Qatar Airways’ YouTube channel. The most-engaged movie over the course of one week will be named the winner. Additional behind-the-scenes content is available in the airline’s dedicated YouTube playlist.
Qatar Airways and Google have collaborated on several technology-driven initiatives. Gemini’s latest image and video generation models were selected for their ability to generate footage efficiently, which requires high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity. Without onboard Starlink, the challenge would not have been possible at this scale.
Note: Gate-to-gate Wi-Fi availability may vary by airport and local regulations.
Leave a comment