JetBlue Airlines selects Project Kuiper satellites from Amazon for in-flight internet connectivity, making it the first airline to do so, in a significant shift towards Starlink's dominated market.
In a significant leap for air travel, two tech giants - SpaceX and Amazon - are set to transform the in-flight connectivity landscape.
SpaceX's Starlink megaconstellation, currently providing connection to customers worldwide, has already garnered the interest of several airlines. Companies such as Alaskan, Hawaiian, United, Air France, Qatar Airways, and most recently, JetBlue Airways, have signed up to use SpaceX's satellite network for data transmission on their aircraft.
Amazon, on the other hand, is making strides with its own project, Project Kuiper. The broadband satellite constellation, planned to have a total of 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), has already seen 102 satellites reach LEO, with more on the way. Amazon announced its agreement with Project Kuiper on Thursday (Sept. 4).
JetBlue Airways has committed to using Project Kuiper for Wi-Fi services on flights, starting in 2027. This marks the first such commitment from an airline for Project Kuiper. The contract is not the only plane-related Project Kuiper partnership; Amazon has also signed a deal with Airbus.
Amazon aims to begin delivering service to its first customers later this year and to roll out more widely as the network expands. The company has expressed its intention to accelerate production, processing, and deployment rates for Project Kuiper to achieve this goal.
SpaceX's Starlink constellation, with over 8,300 operational satellites in LEO, continues to expand, aiming to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to consumers and businesses worldwide, including the aviation industry.
This development promises to bring a significant improvement in in-flight connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling, much like they do on the ground. As these projects progress, we can expect to see a more connected world, both on the ground and in the skies.
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