JetBlue to Offer Free Wi-Fi with Amazon's Project Kuiper

JetBlue Partners with Amazon for In-Flight Internet

While numerous prominent airlines are enhancing their in-flight internet services through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, JetBlue is pursuing an alternative path.

A new collaboration between Amazon and JetBlue was revealed on Thursday. This partnership will see JetBlue utilizing Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites to deliver complimentary in-flight connectivity, anticipated to begin in 2027.

Project Kuiper's Capabilities

The Kuiper terminals installed on JetBlue aircraft will be able to achieve download speeds reaching up to 1Gbps, leveraging Amazon’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation.

This represents a greater bandwidth capacity than the current maximum offered by Starlink, which stands at 250 Mbps.

However, Amazon’s planned network consists of 3,226 satellites, a figure lower than the over 8,000 satellites already launched by SpaceX.

Shifting Focus for Amazon

Previously, Amazon emphasized a focus on providing connectivity to “unserved and underserved communities globally.”

Notably, this specific phrasing has since been removed from Amazon’s official website.

First to Market

Upon launch, JetBlue will be the inaugural airline to implement Kuiper satellite technology for passenger use.

Amazon initiated the deployment of its satellites into space in April of this year.

Furthermore, Amazon announced earlier in the year its integration of its satellite internet technology with aircraft manufactured by Airbus.

Kuiper's Progress

These agreements signify substantial progress for Project Kuiper, which has been under development for several years.

The project has encountered challenges related to production, but Amazon maintains its commitment to meeting the mid-2026 deadline set by the Federal Communications Commission.

This deadline pertains to the launch of the first half of its satellite network into orbit.