JetBlue's Revolutionary In-Flight Wi-Fi: First Airline to Adopt Amazon's Satellite Internet

JetBlue partners with Amazon to enhance in-flight Wi-Fi.

The American airline has announced that it will be the first in the world to integrate Amazon's Project Kuiper technology, an innovative satellite internet network, into its in-flight Wi-Fi system.

This marks a significant upgrade to the Fly-Fi service, which was first launched in 2013 and offers free, high-speed internet to all company passengers.

Starting from 2027, the system will be implemented on some aircraft, with a gradual rollout to follow. The company states this is the next step in evolving the airborne surfing experience, with the new technology expected to enhance browsing speeds and reduce latency, while maintaining the existing free service.

The Kuiper system is based on a network of thousands of low orbit satellites connected by high-speed optical links, creating a space-based communication network linked to ground infrastructure and internet hubs worldwide. Amazon reports that over 100 satellites have already been launched, with the pace expected to accelerate as the service launch approaches.

jetBlue. Photo: jetBlue

In recent years, many airlines have chosen to integrate SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services, which also offer fast connections via low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The service has become popular due to its high browsing speeds and low latency and is already in use by airlines such as Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and European airlines like airBaltic, which returned to Israel today and operates the free Starlink satellite internet on all flights.

Now, with JetBlue joining Amazon's Project Kuiper, a competitive response in the sector has emerged - as tech giant Amazon enters the competition for the future of aerial connectivity. Unlike Starlink, which is already deployed globally, Project Kuiper is under development but promises to offer even faster and more stable browsing experiences in the future based on advanced inter-satellite connectivity (OISL).

And what about the status among Israeli airlines?

Marty St. George, President of JetBlue: "The agreement with Project Kuiper represents a leap forward for us as clear leaders in inflight connectivity. Whether it's watching a favorite show, staying in touch with loved ones, or completing work assignments, we continue to enhance our customers' browsing experience."

Panay Pany, Senior Vice President, Amazon Devices & Services: "Connectivity has become part of our daily routine, even during flights. With Project Kuiper, we aim to enable fast and reliable internet everywhere - at home and 35,000 feet in the air, and we're excited to launch this with JetBlue."