Amazon Secures Delta Deal for Satellite Internet, Challenging Starlink’s Dominance
Amazon's Project Leo will deploy high-speed satellite internet on 500 Delta Air Lines aircraft starting in 2028, marking its second major airline partnership after JetBlue. The low-Earth orbit (LEO) network promises 1 Gbps downloads and 400 Mbps uploads—speeds enabling seamless streaming and video calls mid-flight.
The deal intensifies competition with SpaceX's Starlink, which currently operates over 10,000 satellites. Amazon has launched 214 Leo satellites since April 2025 and plans 20+ additional launches this year. Delta's narrow-body fleet will initially test the service on U.S. continental routes.
Satellite internet emerges as a battleground for tech giants, with Amazon leveraging its AWS infrastructure and aerospace ambitions. The aviation sector, hungry for reliable connectivity, could drive mass adoption of blockchain-based payment solutions for in-flight services.