In a major push into the aviation connectivity market, Amazon has partnered with Delta Air Lines to provide in-flight Wi-Fi through its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, stepping up competition with SpaceX and its Starlink service.
Under the agreement, Delta will begin installing Amazon’s LEO-powered satellite internet across 500 aircraft starting 2028, with expansion planned across hundreds more planes in the following years. The service will remain free for Delta SkyMiles members.
Amazon is aiming to close the gap with SpaceX, whose Starlink network already operates over 9,000 satellites and has secured major airline partners including British Airways, Air France, Emirates, and United Airlines. In contrast, Amazon currently has a few hundred satellites in orbit, with plans to scale beyond 3,200 and begin commercial services in 2026. Prior to this deal, JetBlue Airways was its only aviation customer.
The partnership also strengthens Delta’s long-standing collaboration with Amazon, which already powers key systems through Amazon Web Services. Both companies plan deeper integration of AI and digital technologies to enhance passenger experience.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “Delta’s future is global. This agreement gives us the best, fastest and most cost-effective technology available to better connect the world today, and it deepens our work with a global leader that shares our ambition to build what’s next.”
Each aircraft will be equipped with phased array antennas capable of delivering download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 400 Mbps. Amazon’s satellites operate at around 370 miles above Earth, significantly closer than traditional systems, enabling lower latency and faster connectivity.
Chris Weber, Vice President at Amazon’s LEO division, highlighted that the network could support full-flight 4K streaming and high-speed uploads for passengers.
Delta currently works with Viasat and Hughes Network Systems and will continue using multiple providers as it upgrades its fleet.
The broader race among US airlines to offer faster, free in-flight Wi-Fi is accelerating. American Airlines is rolling out free Wi-Fi through AT&T, while Delta has offered free connectivity to SkyMiles members since 2023 via T-Mobile.
With this deal, Amazon is positioning its satellite network as a strong challenger in aviation connectivity, aiming to transform the in-flight digital experience while competing head-to-head with SpaceX.
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