Military Space News
SPACEMART
Amazon's Starlink rival lands first major airline deal
Amazon's Starlink rival lands first major airline deal
by AFP Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) Sept 4, 2025
JetBlue Airways will become the first airline to use Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite network to power its in-flight Wi-Fi service, the companies announced Wednesday, as the online retail giant tries to challenge the dominance of Elon Musk's Starlink.

The partnership will see JetBlue implement Project Kuiper's low orbit satellite technology on select aircraft beginning in 2027, enhancing the US airline's existing service with faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite systems.

Amazon has launched more than 100 Kuiper satellites via four rocket launches in recent months and plans to begin delivering service to initial customers later this year before expanding coverage.

The company recently signed a separate agreement with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to integrate Project Kuiper connectivity into its aircraft catalog.

Project Kuiper is playing catch-up with Starlink's sprawling network of internet satellites that has reshaped the sector and handed Musk significant geopolitical clout.

SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019 and in February said it had more than 6,750 operational units, serving over five million customers worldwide -- making it by far the sector's dominant force, even as other companies are entering the field.

Starlink has also provided crucial internet access in disaster and war zones, including Morocco after its devastating 2023 earthquake and on the frontlines in Ukraine's war against Russia.

Related Links
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SPACEMART
SpaceX expands Starlink network in latest Falcon 9 launch
Washington DC (UPI) Aug 31, 2025
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched 28 more satellites into low-Earth orbit on Sunday as the company continues to build out its constellation. The satellites were launched by a Falcon 9 rocket at 7:49 a.m. local time from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the company said in a statement. After separation, the rocket's first stage booster, numbered B1077, returned to Earth and landed on a barge called Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean. ... read more

SPACEMART
Israel says intercepted missile launched from Yemen

Israel intercepts Yemen missiles after Huthis vow revenge for attack

Erdogan jubilant as 'Steel Dome' air defence system delivered to military

Turkey deploys its 'Steel Dome' air defense system

SPACEMART
Yemen's Huthis say they targeted Red Sea ship with missile

North Korea's Kim inspects new missiles before China trip

France, Germany to provide more air defence to Ukraine: statement

US approves $825 mn missile sale to Ukraine; France, Germany to provide more air defence to Ukraine

SPACEMART
Russian drone barrage cuts power for thousands in Ukraine

Japan seeks record defence budget, to triple drone spending

Lebanon says Israeli drone explodes after crash, killing two soldiers

Drone hits Russian nuclear site; Trump backs Ukraine on Independence Day

SPACEMART
Orbit introduces compact MPT30Ka SATCOM terminal for tactical platforms

York delivers full 21 satellite payload for Space Development Agency Tranche 1 launch

Globalstar strengthens defense reach with resilient satellite and 5G solutions

Space Force taps five firms to develop secure global tactical satcom solutions

SPACEMART
What to watch at China's massive military parade

Beijing shows off drones, missiles and lasers in military parade

China to showcase latest military hardware at September parade

US soldier tried to give tank details to Russia: Justice Dept

SPACEMART
EU defence spending to hit record 380 bn euros in 2025

Pope urges end to 'pandemic of arms'

UK govt says Israeli officials not invited to London arms fair

Defence giant Rheinmetall opens mega-plant as Europe rearms

SPACEMART
Not for Russia to 'decide' if West can deploy troops to Ukraine: NATO chief

China denies conspiring with NK, Russia; Open mic caught Xi, Putin discussing immortality

Open mic caught Xi, Putin discussing immortality

Nicaragua's Ortega says US aims to 'overthrow governments'

SPACEMART
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2026 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.