American Airlines Adopts Starlink for 1,000-Plus Planes as Delta Backs Amazon
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 9
American Airlines Adopts Starlink for 1,000-Plus Planes as Delta Backs Amazon
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 9
Summary
American Airlines said it will equip more than 1,000 aircraft with SpaceX's Starlink, one of the biggest airline commitments yet to the satellite Wi-Fi service.
Faster, more reliable internet has become a competitive selling point as carriers use upgraded onboard connectivity to attract and retain passengers.
Delta Air Lines has gone a different way, choosing Amazon's satellite service instead of Starlink in a split that has publicly angered Elon Musk.
Airline Wi-Fi has shifted from slow, pricey add-ons toward broader free access; Delta dropped fees for loyalty members in 2023 after JetBlue had long offered it.