American Airlines explores Amazon's LEO WiFi to replace ViaSat, but deployment
Key Points
- 1American Airlines is in talks with Amazon to potentially replace its ViaSat inflight WiFi with Amazon's new low Earth orbit satellite internet system.
- 2Amazon's LEO WiFi network, designed to rival Starlink, is still years from full deployment, with widespread availability not expected until 2028.
- 3This potential shift highlights a growing trend among airlines, including JetBlue, to seek advanced, high-performance inflight connectivity solutions.
American Airlines is reportedly in discussions with Amazon to integrate the tech giant's new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service across its fleet. This potential move would see American replace its current ViaSat inflight connectivity provider, even as ViaSat begins offering free internet access. The new Amazon system aims to offer performance competitive with, or even superior to, SpaceX's Starlink.
While the airline is actively exploring this advanced connectivity solution, passengers may face a significant wait. Amazon's LEO network is still several years from full deployment, with widespread availability not anticipated until at least 2028. This timeline suggests a phased rollout, impacting when American's flyers can experience the new service.
The news follows a previous report from September, which indicated that JetBlue Airways was also planning to adopt Amazon's satellite WiFi service. This growing interest from major carriers highlights a significant shift in the inflight connectivity market, with airlines seeking faster and more reliable internet solutions for their passengers.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
American Airlines AAdvantage Policy Shift Sparks Backlash from Millions of Travelers
American Airlines will no longer allow Basic Economy ticket holders to earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points, a shift that began December 17.
Delta Air Lines Challenges American with New Boston-Madison E175 Route.
Delta Air Lines is launching daily nonstop service between Boston and Madison, Wisconsin, on June 7, 2026, creating competition with American Airlines.
Why American Airlines Ended AAdvantage Miles on Basic Economy Tickets
American Airlines eliminated AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points earning on basic economy tickets booked after December 17, 2025, affecting millions of budget travelers seeking elite
How Much Does an American Airlines Captain Really Earn Annually?
American Airlines pilot compensation details, reportedly reaching nearly $460,000, have sparked widespread discussion on the lucrative nature of a major airline captain's career.
Is Porto Next for American Airlines as Philadelphia and Boston Compete?
American Airlines is reportedly planning a new transatlantic route to Porto, Portugal, likely from its Philadelphia hub, to bypass capacity constraints at Lisbon Airport, with Boston
Will American Airlines' New Electronic Gates Speed Up Boarding at DFW?
American Airlines is piloting electronic boarding gates on select mainline domestic flights at DFW Airport to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Never Miss Critical Aviation Updates
Get the top aviation stories delivered to your inbox every morning