Delta Bets on Amazon’s Kuiper for 1,200 Planes with 1Gbps Wi-Fi
Delta Air Lines signed a deal to equip 1,200 planes with Amazon’s Kuiper LEO satellite internet service starting in 2028, targeting up to 1Gbps download and 400Mbps upload speeds. The agreement covers antenna retrofits across Delta’s fleet and follows Amazon’s deployment of 214 Kuiper satellites, targeting 20 more launches.
1. Deal Overview
Delta Air Lines signed a binding agreement to install Amazon’s Kuiper low-Earth orbit internet service on its entire fleet of 1,200 aircraft, with installations set to begin in 2028. The deal leverages Delta’s existing AWS partnership to streamline antenna retrofits and integration across domestic and international routes.
2. Kuiper Constellation Progress
Since April 2025, Amazon has launched 214 Kuiper satellites and plans 20 additional launches this year as part of an initial 80-launch block. These satellites are deployed via Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance and SpaceX rockets to build a network capable of global coverage.
3. In-Flight Connectivity Specs
Delta’s Kuiper-equipped planes will feature antennas supporting download speeds up to 1 gigabit per second and uploads up to 400 megabits per second at 370 miles altitude. This low-latency service is designed to enable seamless video conferencing, streaming and high-bandwidth applications during flight.
4. Competitive Landscape
The shift to Kuiper ends Delta’s reliance on Viasat and Hughes and positions it against airlines using SpaceX Starlink. By adopting Amazon’s system, Delta aims to offer superior in-flight Wi-Fi performance and differentiate its customer experience in a competitive market.