JetBlue has become the first airline to partner with Amazon's satellite internet project for next-gen in-flight wifi, potentially enabling seamless film streaming and video calling at 35,000 feet. Olivia Palamountain reports

JetBlue has become the first carrier globally to sign with Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite internet service, marking a significant shift from traditional geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit technology for in-flight connectivity.

The partnership will see JetBlue begin installing Project Kuiper's satellite internet technology on a portion of its fleet starting in 2027, promising faster speeds and lower latency than current systems. The move builds on JetBlue's position as the only major US airline offering free, high-speed wifi across its entire fleet since launching its Fly-Fi service in 2013.

Project Kuiper utilises a constellation of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites connected by high-speed optical links to create what Amazon describes as "a mesh network in space." This differs from traditional airline internet systems that rely on geostationary satellites positioned much further from Earth, typically resulting in slower speeds and higher latency.

Project Kuiper is Amazon's initiative to provide fast, reliable broadband to customers and communities around the world, including in places that are currently unserved or underserved by traditional internet and communications options. To achieve this goal, Amazon will deploy thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit linked to a global network of antennas, fibre, and internet connection points on the ground.

Marty St. George, president of JetBlue, says: "Our agreement with Project Kuiper marks an exciting leap forward for us as the hands-down leader in onboard connectivity. Whether it's binge-watching a favourite 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."

Amazon has deployed more than 100 Project Kuiper satellites to date and continues increasing production ahead of initial service rollout. The technology promises to deliver internet speeds comparable to ground-based broadband services, potentially enabling seamless video streaming and video calling at 35,000 feet.

Panos Panay, senior vice president of Amazon Devices & Services, says: "Staying connected is part of everyday life, even when you're travelling. With Project Kuiper, we're working to ensure customers can enjoy fast, reliable internet wherever they are - at home or 35,000 feet in the air - and we're pumped to bring that to life with JetBlue."

The airline is exploring what it terms a "multi-orbit solution" that could combine strengths from both low Earth orbit and geostationary satellite networks for enhanced connectivity. This hybrid approach could provide redundancy and improved coverage across different flight routes and conditions.

The initiative forms part of the airline's JetForward strategy focused on delivering customer-valued amenities whilst maintaining its free wifi commitment across all services.

The partnership positions JetBlue to potentially offer internet speeds rivalling ground-based connections, addressing growing passenger expectations for seamless connectivity during air travel.