While many major airlines are increasing their in-flight internet offerings by tapping SpaceX’s Starlink satellite, JetBlue is moving in a different direction. Amazon and JetBlue announced a partnership on Thursday that airlines will use Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites instead to provide free in-flight connectivity starting in 2027.
The Kuiper terminal of JetBlue planes allows download speeds of up to 1Gbps from Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellites. While Amazon plans to build only a network of 3,226 satellites, SpaceX has launched more than 8,000, which is more bandwidth than Starlink’s current maximum of 250 Mbps. Amazon previously claimed it was more focused on “underserved, underserved communities around the world,” but the language was removed from its website.
Once the service is published, JetBlue will become the first airline to use Kuiper Satellites. This was launched by Amazon on Space in April. Amazon also announced earlier this year that it was integrating satellite internet technology with Airbus planes.
These contracts are a huge step for Kuiper, who has been working for many years. The project is plagued by production issues, but Amazon says it can launch the first half of its network on track at the mid-2026 deadline imposed by the Federal Communications Commission.
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