Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) has reached an agreement with Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to use the company’s low-Earth orbit satellite service for onboard Wi-Fi, handing Amazon’s space venture a notable aviation customer as it competes with SpaceX’s Starlink.
Delta said Tuesday the connectivity system will be installed on 500 aircraft starting in 2028, initially focusing on domestic narrow-body jets from Boeing and Airbus.
Amazon’s LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite network is designed to deliver faster and more stable internet connections, enabling passengers to stream video and send messages during flights. Chris Weber, vice president of Amazon Leo, said the improved speeds come from satellites orbiting closer to Earth than traditional systems.
“I think of the high-speed, reliable connectivity of the planes as foundation, and Delta will build some very unique experiences on top of that,” Weber said.
Weber added that Amazon Leo is continuing to expand its satellite constellation, with around 200 satellites already in orbit and hundreds more prepared for launch.
Airlines have increasingly been upgrading onboard connectivity, often offering free high-speed Wi-Fi to loyalty program members as they compete to attract passengers. Some carriers are also exploring ways to generate revenue from onboard connectivity through targeted advertising and potential e-commerce features.
American Airlines is reportedly evaluating a return of seat-back screens on its narrow-body aircraft and may use either SpaceX’s Starlink or Amazon Leo, potentially paired with Amazon Prime entertainment content, according to CNBC. A decision could come as soon as next month.
Starlink currently operates more than 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit and has been rapidly expanding its presence in the aviation sector. Airlines including United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have recently begun using Starlink Wi-Fi onboard, while British Airways, Air France and Emirates have also agreed to adopt the service.
Prior to the Delta deal, JetBlue Airways was Amazon’s only airline partner for in-flight Wi-Fi services.