Amazon’s Project Kuiper strikes its first satellite internet deal with an airline

Amazon's satellite internet service, Project Kuiper, has struck its first deal with an airline, JetBlue, to provide in-flight Wi-Fi starting in 2027. This partnership comes as Amazon aims to keep up with SpaceX's Starlink, which has already secured similar agreements with several major airlines. Amazon has been working on Project Kuiper since 2019, and has successfully launched its first round of 27 low-earth orbit satellites, with the constellation now exceeding 100 satellites. However, Starlink currently has more than 8,000 satellites in orbit, giving it a significant head start. In a recent speed test, Amazon's Panos Panay showcased download speeds of over a gigabit using an "enterprise-grade customer terminal." The company says the first customers will start using the service this year, ahead of a broader rollout in 2026. Project Kuiper-powered Wi-Fi will be available on "select" aircraft initially, with Amazon promising lower latency and more reliable service compared to the geostationary satellites currently used. The company has also struck a deal with Airbus to integrate its satellite internet service into the aircraft manufacturer's products.