American Airlines has held discussions with Amazon about using the tech company’s satellite internet constellation to provide Wi-Fi on flights.
In an interview with Bloomberg, American CEO Robert Isom confirmed the airline is considering partnering with Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, which is building a network of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites. The constellation is expected to provide low-latency broadband connectivity for subscribers.
“We’re making sure that American is going to have what our customers need,” Isom told the outlet.
He declined to comment on the status of the discussions.
Amazon currently has over 150 satellites in orbit. In November, the company said it is launching a “preview program” for select enterprise users as it continues testing the network. A broader commercial rollout is planned for 2026.
American currently offers wireless internet to passengers through providers like Viasat and plans to make free Wi-Fi available to loyalty program members as part of a deal with AT&T. Isom said that, as satellite internet technology matures and expands, American will look at new opportunities.
“I do think that there’s going to be advancements and, as that comes, I think that there’s going to be better deals to be had,” he said.
Several major airlines have signed deals with satellite internet providers over the last year and a half in an effort to draw in customers who increasingly expect constant or near-constant connection.
United, Alaska Airlines, and Emirates have partnered with Amazon rival Starlink, a subsidiary of aerospace company SpaceX.
