Delta is bringing free Wi-Fi to flights using Amazon's satellites

In brief: Delta Air Lines has partnered with Amazon to equip its planes with high-speed, low-latency wireless Internet service powered by Amazon's Leo satellites. The multi-year agreement will initially fit 500 aircraft with gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, and will be free for all Delta SkyMiles members.

Think of Leo as Amazon's version of SpaceX Starlink. The division was established in 2019 and is the third largest satellite system in orbit according to the company. Even still, Leo does feel a bit behind the competition in terms of the sheer size of its constellation.

Amazon notes that Leo is powered by a constellation of "thousands of satellites" in low Earth orbit but later in the press release, the company says Leo currently has "more than 200 satellites in orbit" with 20+ full-scale missions planned over the coming year.

Amazon said each Delta plane will be equipped with a single phased array ...