NEW YORK — JetBlue is getting ready to take in-flight Wi-Fi to a whole new level. The airline announced this week that it will become the first carrier in the world to partner with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a satellite broadband network built for speed, scale, and reliability.

Starting in 2027, JetBlue will begin installing Kuiper’s technology on part of its fleet, aiming to deliver even faster and more stable onboard internet to passengers. And yes—it’s still going to be free. This new tech will support the next generation of Fly-Fi, JetBlue’s branded in-flight Wi-Fi service that’s been a standout feature for over a decade.

“Our agreement with Project Kuiper marks an exciting leap forward for us as the hands-down leader in onboard connectivity,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.

The airline will be the first to roll out Kuiper’s low Earth orbit satellite system, promising even faster, more reliable Fly-Fi—for free.

A Long Track Record of Firsts

JetBlue constantly tries to lead the airlines industry in technology. They started in 2013, and after that, they became the first major airlines to provide free and high-speed wifi onboard. This move has not been made by any airlines to date. 

The airline introduced Fly-Fi across its network in 2017, and now, it is pushing boundaries once again.

Project Kuiper will give JetBlue access to a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system, which means much lower latency and faster speeds—perfect for streaming, uploading big files, or jumping on a quick video call from the aisle seat.

“Staying connected is part of everyday life, even when you’re traveling,” said Panos Panay, Amazon’s SVP of Devices & Services. “We’re pumped to bring that to life with JetBlue.”

What Exactly Is Project Kuiper?

At its core, Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to create global broadband coverage using thousands of small satellites in low orbit. These satellites connect through high-speed laser links in space and are tied to a global network of ground stations.

Amazon has already launched over 100 of these satellites and plans to keep ramping up production and deployment over the next few years.

The main advantage? Compared to traditional satellite internet, LEO systems like Kuiper deliver much quicker responses and stronger performance, especially during high-traffic usage—like, say, a plane full of people watching YouTube.

What Passengers Can Expect? 

If you’ve flown JetBlue before, you’ve likely noticed how smooth Fly-Fi already is. Passengers can stream, scroll, or work from gate to gate without paying a dime. That’s not changing.

But once Kuiper is in place, the experience is expected to get even better—faster load times, less buffering, and more consistent coverage, even on longer or more remote routes.

The new system will first be added to aircraft that currently use JetBlue’s original Wi-Fi hardware. Over time, more planes will be equipped with Kuiper gear as part of a phased rollout. JetBlue says details about routes and aircraft types will be announced as the program gets closer.

Interestingly, the airline is also exploring a multi-orbit strategy down the line, combining its current geostationary satellites with LEO to create an even more resilient hybrid network.

JetBlue’s Edge in the Sky

Whereas Wi-Fi is still being charged by many airlines or only limited access is offered, JetBlue plasters a free-for-all screen. Such perks set the airline apart, particularly for frequent travelers who need to be connected in the air.

Whether binge-watching, working remotely, or FaceTiming with family and friends, JetBlue wants that experience to be seamless.

And they’ve made it easy, too. To connect on board:

• Select the Fly-Fi.com network on your device.
• Open a browser and head to www.flyfi.com
• Watch a short ad (not too annoying), and you’re in.

Coverage today includes most of the U.S. and several international routes. Some exceptions apply, particularly on long-haul or weather-impacted flights, but overall, JetBlue’s offering remains one of the strongest in the industry.

What does this mean for the Future of In-Flight Internet?

The partnership with Amazon is about more than just speed. It’s a vision of the long term that is unseen by many. 

The bigger picture, JetForward, aims to enhance customer experience with smarter tech, better comfort, and straightforward service. Kuiper fits straight into that plan.

And, as more travelers want their hours in the air to be just like life on the ground-fast internet, streaming, and cloud-based office tools-airlines that invest in dependable, high-performance systems are going to stand out. JetBlue is making a big bet to be that airline by going in early with Kuiper.

About JetBlue

JetBlue has spent the past 15 years trying to be New York’s Hometown Airline, and it operates to more than 100 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. With its customer-first thinking, the airline remains one of the trailblazers in in-flight connectivity, loyalty rewards, and onboard experience.