Delta and Amazon to add satellite-powered in-flight Wi-Fi on hundreds of planes

Delta is partnering with Amazon to use its low Earth orbit satellite network, Leo, to upgrade in-flight internet, and the airline plans to begin installing the system on 500 aircraft starting in 2028.

Delta Air Lines has announced a long-term partnership with Amazon to expand onboard internet and related digital services. The agreement centers on Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network, known as Leo. Delta says it will begin installing the new system on 500 aircraft starting in 2028 to extend high-speed, low-latency connectivity. The move builds on Delta's recent rollouts of free Wi‑Fi for SkyMiles members and streaming-quality connections on much of its fleet. Key details: - The partnership will use Amazon's LEO satellite network called Leo to deliver higher-speed, lower-latency in-flight internet. - Delta expects installation of the new system on 500 aircraft beginning in 2028. - Since 2023, Delta has offered free Wi‑Fi to SkyMiles members and has streaming-quality connectivity on more than 1,100 aircraft. - Delta reports that more than 163 million users have connected to its onboard Wi‑Fi. - The airline plans additional integration with Amazon Web Services and artificial intelligence to personalize parts of the travel experience. Summary: The agreement is intended to extend consistent, higher-performance connectivity to more routes, including long-haul international flights, and to enable activities such as real-time uploads and video calls that are limited by traditional onboard internet. Installation on 500 aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2028, and Delta says it will continue integrating Amazon technologies, including AWS and AI, as the program progresses.