Passengers enjoying high-speed Wi-Fi and video calls on a Delta flight, powered by Amazon's Leo satellite service.
Delta Airlines and Amazon are partnering to launch high-speed satellite internet on Delta flights by 2028, potentially enabling video calls at 30,000 feet.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced the partnership, revealing that Amazon’s high-speed satellite internet service, Amazon Leo, will be available on Delta flights.
“It’ll be multiple times faster than anything we have today. And it’ll be at a very cost-effective rate,” Bastian said in a joint interview.
Jassy added that the new Wi-Fi system would be “game-changing,” while Bastian noted the pricing would be “substantially less.”
Amazon Leo uses low-earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet service to remote areas, a technology Bastian considers vital for Delta’s competitive advantage.
Delta already provides free, fast Wi-Fi on 1,200 planes but aims to maintain its leadership position through this technology.
“We need to stay the leader. And the technology is moving fast,” Bastian said.
Bastian highlighted the existing partnership between Delta and Amazon, where Delta carries Amazon employees and utilizes Amazon technology like Fuse and Amazon WorkSpaces (AWS).
While major airlines like Alaska and United use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite, Bastian believes Delta’s partnership with Amazon will rival Musk’s program.
Bastian also mentioned that in-flight video calling is planned but will have limitations initially. Passengers can participate in online video conferences but without audio.
Amazon Leo installations will begin in Delta aircraft in 2028, with both companies exploring ways to enhance the passenger experience.
“We have a lot of plans to leverage the capabilities that both of our companies offer respectively and make an incredible experience for Delta customers,” Jassy said.
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