Project Kuiper, Amazon’s LEO satellite network, has a simple mission: deliver fast, reliable connectivity to customers and communities around the world. The service will reach a wide range of customers on the ground as well as residential households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and emergency services—and it will also improve connectivity for planes, ships, and other vehicles traveling beyond the reach of traditional networks.
JetBlue is the first airline with plans to bring Amazon’s satellite internet network to its commercial airline customers. The collaboration will enhance in-flight connectivity, enabling travelers to better stream, scroll, and share while flying JetBlue.
photo of the Kuiper satellite launch, courtesy of SpaceX
JetBlue introduced free high-speed Wi-Fi with its Fly-Fi service in 2013 and will continue offering complimentary connectivity to all customers with the Kuiper-powered system. The demand for in-flight Wi-Fi has increased in recent years as the use of streaming services, social media, and cloud platforms among travelers has climbed.
Unlike traditional GEO satellites that orbit approximately 22,369 miles (36,000 km) above the planet, LEO systems operate at much lower altitudes. In the case of Kuiper, satellites orbit between 367 and 391 miles (590 and 630 km) above Earth, which translates to lower latency and more reliable service for travelers on board. Project Kuiper also represents a step forward for LEO systems serving the aviation industry.
Amazon’s aviation-specific customer terminal is based on Kuiper’s most powerful terminal—a full-duplex, Ka-band phased array antenna that can support download speeds up to 1 Gbps on a single device. With best-in-class downlink and uplink performance, the firm’s aviation antenna will provide substantial bandwidth for streaming and other data-intensive activities.
Beyond JetBlue, Amazon recently signed an agreement with European plane maker Airbus to integrate Project Kuiper’s connectivity solution into their aircraft catalog. As Amazon expands the Kuiper constellation for its commercial launch, this partnership with JetBlue represents a significant step in bringing improved satellite internet to travelers—supporting Amazon’s vision to keep customers on planes connected, no matter where they’re headed.
Amazon’s $140 million site at Kennedy Space Center can support as many as three simultaneous launch campaigns for its satellite internet network. With four rocket launches in four months, Amazon now has more than 100 Kuiper satellites in orbit, and we’re continuing to accelerate our production, processing, and deployment rates. The company’s goal is to begin delivering service to the first customers later this year, and to roll out more widely as coverage and capacity area added to the network.
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.”
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 you have a high-speed connectivity experience wherever you are—at home or 35,000 feet in the air.”