Amazon and Delta Air Lines have joined forces to revolutionize the in-flight connectivity experience for passengers. This collaboration aims to introduce high-speed satellite internet across Delta's fleet, with potential future integration of video calling capabilities.

The 2028 Rollout of Amazon Leo

High-Speed Connectivity Agreement

The CEOs of both companies confirmed on Tuesday that Amazon Leo, Amazon's cutting-edge satellite internet service, will be installed on Delta aircraft beginning in 2028. Amazon Leo leverages low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet, a technology also used for connecting rural and remote areas.

Faster Speeds and Lower Costs Promised

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian stated that the new service will be "multiple times faster than anything we have today" and offered at a "very cost-effective rate." Amazon CEO Andy Jassy echoed this, calling the resulting experience "game-changing." Bastian further clarified that customers should expect speeds two to four times what they currently experience on Delta.

Bastian emphasized that the pricing structure will be "substantially less" than current offerings. He noted that this partnership is crucial for Delta to maintain its leadership position in providing free, fast Wi-Fi globally.

Maintaining Industry Leadership

Delta's Current Wi-Fi Status

Delta currently equips about 1,200 planes with free, fast Wi-Fi, covering virtually its entire fleet. Bastian believes this coverage already surpasses many competitors combined, but acknowledged the need to adopt rapidly advancing technology to stay ahead.

Leveraging Existing Partnerships

The foundation for this major technology shift was built on existing strong ties between the two corporations. Bastian cited his "supreme confidence" in Delta's relationship with Amazon as a key factor in securing the deal.

  • Delta already utilizes various Amazon technologies, including Amazon WorkSpaces and Fuse.
  • The CEOs, Andy Jassy and Ed Bastian, have long-standing professional relationships.

This established rapport naturally led to discussions a few months prior regarding potential joint ventures, according to Bastian.

Competition and Future Offerings

Competing with Starlink

Delta’s move places it in direct competition with other airlines utilizing LEO satellite technology, such as Alaska and United, which use Elon Musk’s Starlink. Bastian expressed confidence that the Amazon Leo service will be highly competitive against Starlink in terms of performance and cost.

He told anchor Liz Claman that the costs associated with the new service will be "substantially less than what we're paying today."

Exploring Video Calling Capabilities

A significant future capability being explored is in-flight video calling. Bastian confirmed that while passengers will eventually be able to participate in online video conferences, initial rollouts will restrict audio transmission.

"We won't allow the actual conversations to occur now. We're not going to turn that on," Bastian explained regarding the audio component. He added that the partnership will also focus on developing new business tools leveraging AI capabilities offered by both companies.

Amazon’s Jassy concluded that both teams are actively planning to utilize their respective strengths to create an "incredible experience for Delta customers" beyond just connectivity.