JetBlue Backs Amazon Kuiper, Igniting a New Wi-Fi Race Against Starlink

When JetBlue introduced Fly-Fi in 2013, it set a precedent as the first U.S. airline to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi across its entire fleet. A decade later, the New York–based carrier is again pushing the envelope—this time by signing on as the first airline partner for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network designed to deliver faster and more reliable broadband worldwide.

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

The agreement, announced this week, places JetBlue at the center of a technological race between Amazon and SpaceX’s Starlink, each vying to dominate the future of satellite-powered internet.

JetBlue expects to begin introducing Kuiper’s system on a portion of its fleet in 2027, marking the next evolution of Fly-Fi and potentially raising the bar for in-flight connectivity standards across the industry.

From Industry First to Next Frontier

“Our agreement with Project Kuiper marks an exciting leap forward for us as the hands-down leader in onboard connectivity,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “Whether it’s binge-watching a favorite show, staying connected with loved ones, or wrapping up a work project, we’re always looking for ways to make our customers’ time in the air as connected and productive as they want it to be.”

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

JetBlue remains the only major U.S. airline to provide free Wi-Fi on every aircraft, a feature that has become central to its brand identity. The partnership with Amazon not only promises faster speeds and lower latency but also signals a strategic pivot: preparing Fly-Fi for the era of multi-orbit solutions that blend geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit satellites to ensure seamless coverage.

Why Project Kuiper Matters

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s $10 billion answer to Starlink. The network will rely on more than 3,200 satellites orbiting at 590–630 kilometers, each equipped with optical laser links to create a resilient mesh system in space. Amazon has already launched more than 100 satellites and is ramping up deployment, with commercial service expected to start as early as late 2025.

“Staying connected is part of everyday life, even when you’re traveling,” said Panos Panay, senior vice president of Amazon Devices & Services. “With Project Kuiper, we’re working to ensure customers can enjoy fast, reliable internet wherever they are—at home or 35,000 feet in the air—and we’re pumped to bring that to life with JetBlue.”

Unlike JetBlue’s current GEO satellite system, which offers consistent coverage but higher latency, Kuiper’s LEO constellation is designed to deliver speeds up to 400 Mbps for residential users and as high as 1 Gbps for enterprise applications. For passengers, that means smoother video streaming, faster downloads, and fewer mid-flight frustrations.

The Competitition: Kuiper vs. Starlink

The in-flight Wi-Fi market has become a new battleground for tech giants. SpaceX’s Starlink has already inked deals with Hawaiian Airlines, and most recently, United Airlines, giving it a head start with more than 7,000 satellites in orbit and a proven service track record.

Photo: Starlink antenna. Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines

Kuiper, by contrast, is in its early stages. Amazon only began full-scale deployment in April 2025, relying on launches from Arianespace, Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. The company must meet strict FCC milestones: 1,618 satellites by mid-2026 and the full 3,236 by 2029.

While Starlink enjoys scale and speed, Kuiper may benefit from Amazon’s vast ecosystem—AWS cloud services, consumer hardware, and potentially bundled offerings with Prime. For airlines, Kuiper’s integration with enterprise infrastructure could prove a powerful draw.

Looking Ahead

JetBlue expects to begin installing Kuiper hardware in 2027, with a phased rollout to follow. Details on which aircraft and routes will see the upgrade first remain undisclosed, but the airline says customers can expect the same hallmark: free internet from gate to gate.

Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

The move underscores JetBlue’s JetForward strategy, which prioritizes investments in products that resonate with travelers. For frequent flyers, the partnership suggests a future where in-flight Wi-Fi could feel less like a compromise and more like the broadband they’re accustomed to on the ground.

For Amazon, winning the skies with JetBlue provides a showcase opportunity against Starlink. If Kuiper’s promises hold, JetBlue passengers may soon find themselves on the cutting edge of in-flight connectivity—streaming, scrolling, and working with less friction at 35,000 feet.