JetBlue selects Starlink rival Amazon’s Project Kuiper to power free in-flight Wi-Fi

Amazon’s satellite internet offering, Project Kuiper, is heading to aircraft as it signs a contract to provide free in-flight wifi for JetBlue customers.

The Starlink competitor utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology and can beam high-speed internet access everywhere on the planet. The system is designed to work seamlessly not only with households, schools, hospitals, and businesses, but also with vehicles, ships, and aircraft outside traditional network coverage.

JetBlue has been using Viasat to provide free internet connection since 2013. However, adding Project Kuiper is expected to enhance reliability and speed. With Kuiper, JetBlue flyers can hope for download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. The first aircraft will be getting the necessary kits in 2027, followed by a full rollout in 2028

Amazon’s agreement with JetBlue is separate from the deal it signed with Airbus to integrate Kuiper’s connectivity solution into aircraft production.

Amazon has launched over 100 satellites for Project Kuiper and is steadily building the network ahead of its commercial debut. The technology involves satellites orbiting the Earth at distances between 340 and 1,200 miles, allowing for faster speeds and lower latency.

Amazon plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites. However, its network trails SpaceX’s Starlink, which has more than 8,000 satellites in operation.