Amazon has announced that its satellite internet initiative, Project Kuiper, will collaborate with JetBlue to offer in-flight Wi-Fi services beginning in 2027. This marks JetBlue as the first airline to partner with Project Kuiper, which is positioning itself to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink, already aligned with major carriers such as United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Air France.
Although Amazon has been developing its satellite service since 2019, it has only recently begun launching satellites. In April, the company deployed its inaugural batch of 27 low-Earth orbit satellites, and the Project Kuiper constellation has now expanded to include over 100 satellites. Ultimately, Amazon plans to launch more than 3,200 satellites. A further launch for Project Kuiper is scheduled for later this month, but the service still lags behind Starlink, which boasts over 8,000 satellites currently in orbit.
Recently, Panos Panay of Amazon demonstrated impressive download speeds exceeding one gigabit using an advanced customer terminal designed for enterprise. However, the real performance of consumer-grade dishes remains to be seen as more users access the service. The first customers are expected to begin using Project Kuiper this year, with a broader launch planned for 2026.
Initially, Project Kuiper’s Wi-Fi service will be made available on a selection of JetBlue’s aircraft. Amazon promises that its satellites will deliver lower latency and enhanced reliability for passengers by operating at an altitude of 367 to 391 miles above Earth, significantly closer than geostationary satellites that usually orbit at around 22,369 miles. In addition, Amazon has partnered with Airbus to integrate Project Kuiper’s satellite internet capabilities into its airplanes.
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