The connectivity on airplanes is about to take a significant leap. JetBlue, the U.S. airline known for democratizing free Wi-Fi on commercial flights, announced it will integrate satellite technology from Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit network, into part of its fleet starting in 2027.
This agreement makes JetBlue the world’s first airline to utilize Amazon’s constellation to offer passengers a faster, more stable service with lower latency than traditional satellite systems.
From the cockpit to space: how Kuiper works
Project Kuiper is an ambitious constellation of low Earth orbit satellites (between 590 and 630 km above Earth), designed to deliver high-speed internet in areas where terrestrial connectivity is limited or unavailable.
Unlike geostationary satellites that orbit over 36,000 km, Kuiper satellites drastically reduce latency, enabling near real-time connections. This translates into a smoother experience for activities previously challenging during flights, such as video streaming, video calls, or accessing cloud apps.
Amazon’s solution includes a dedicated aviation terminal: a phase array Ka-band antenna capable of delivering up to 1 Gbps download per device. In other words, an aircraft equipped with this system will have sufficient bandwidth for dozens of passengers to stream shows, work online, or access social networks without interruptions.
Building on Fly-Fi and looking toward the future
JetBlue launched its Fly-Fi service in 2013, pioneering free Wi-Fi onboard in the United States. With Kuiper, the airline assures it’s taking the next step in its strategy to differentiate itself through a cost-free digital experience for travelers.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in establishing ourselves as a leader in onboard connectivity,” stated Marty St. George, JetBlue’s president. “Our customers will be able to keep working, watch their favorite shows, or stay connected with loved ones—even at 35,000 feet.”
Amazon accelerates its space deployment
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Amazon. After investing $140 million in its Kuiper operations center at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the company already has over 100 satellites in orbit, thanks to four launches in just four months.
Amazon aims to begin commercial service by the end of 2025 and gradually expand coverage worldwide. The partnership with JetBlue, along with its alliance with Airbus to include Kuiper in future aircraft, positions the U.S. tech giant as a major player in the future of air connectivity.
According to Panos Panay, Amazon’s Vice President of Devices & Services:
“Being connected is part of daily life, even when we travel. With Project Kuiper, we want the connectivity experience to be just as seamless from home to transoceanic flights.”
The soaring demand for in-flight Wi-Fi
The aviation connectivity market is booming. The widespread use of streaming platforms, social media, and cloud services has driven demand for high-quality onboard Wi-Fi, prompting airlines to rethink their systems.
Currently, companies like Panasonic Avionics, Viasat, and Inmarsat dominate this space with traditional satellite tech. However, deploying low Earth orbit constellations like Kuiper or SpaceX’s Starlink promises to revolutionize the game with faster services and lower latency.
In this landscape, JetBlue aims to lead by offering free Wi-Fi as standard, backed by Amazon’s technological expertise.
From Gibraltar to India, now the skies
This move also underscores Amazon’s ambition to diversify Kuiper’s applications beyond households and enterprises. The service is designed to reach schools, hospitals, rural communities, and critical infrastructure, but also to connect aircraft, ships, and moving vehicles.
The partnership with JetBlue reinforces this vision and marks a milestone: for the first time, an airline will broadly adopt this technology for its passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will Kuiper’s Wi-Fi be available on JetBlue flights?
Installation of terminals will begin in 2027 on part of JetBlue’s fleet.
2. Will internet access onboard be free?
Yes, JetBlue will continue its policy of offering complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers, now with enhanced speed and reliability thanks to Kuiper.
3. How does Kuiper differ from other in-flight Wi-Fi services?
Kuiper utilizes satellites in low Earth orbit (590-630 km), which results in lower latency and higher speeds compared to geostationary satellites at 36,000 km.
4. Which other airlines will use Kuiper in the future?
Currently, JetBlue is the first confirmed, but Amazon has also signed an agreement with Airbus to integrate its technology into future aircraft models.
via: Amazon