The Amazon Leo antenna for commercial aviation made its public debut this week, as Amazon introduced the Leo Aviation Antenna, a flat, low-profile dish designed to bring high-speed satellite internet to airline passengers. The device competes directly with SpaceX’s Starlink Aero Terminal, which already powers in-flight connectivity on several major carriers.
What the Amazon Leo Antenna Offers
The Leo Aviation Antenna promises download speeds of up to 1Gbps and upload speeds of up to 400Mbps simultaneously. Amazon noted that bandwidth is shared across all passengers and crew, and said airlines will decide how to segment the experience. The company said speeds are sufficient to support gaming, streaming, photo sharing, and other connected activities for everyone on board.
Installation Time Sets It Apart from Starlink
One notable difference from Starlink’s offering is installation time. Amazon claims its antenna can be fitted to a commercial jet in a single day. SpaceX, by contrast, says its Aero Terminal requires 10 to 14 days of downtime for installation. For airlines managing tight fleet schedules, that gap could matter.
The antenna is built on technology from the Leo Ultra dish, which targets enterprise users. However, the aviation version is engineered to withstand the specific demands of flight, including harsh weather conditions and low temperatures at altitude.
Airlines Signed Up and Service Timeline
Delta and JetBlue have already signed agreements to use Amazon Leo on their flights. Both airlines plan to offer the service at no charge to passengers, though Delta will require users to enroll in its free loyalty program. However, neither carrier will receive Leo connectivity immediately. Delta passengers will not see the service until 2028, while JetBlue expects to offer it sometime in 2027.
“We expect our service to be so fast and reliable that passengers will seek out flights featuring Leo connectivity.”
Trevor Vieweg, Director of Global Business, Amazon Leo
Leo Still Catching Up to Starlink
Amazon Leo remains in a private beta phase. As of now, only around 240 satellites are in orbit, which is not enough for consistent coverage across major routes. The company has previously requested a deadline extension from the FCC due to delays in its satellite launch schedule. Amazon targets a mid-2026 commercial launch, by which point it expects roughly 700 satellites to be operational.
Starlink, meanwhile, has a significant head start. SpaceX’s system already serves United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Air France, among others. In-flight connectivity tests on a United jet recorded speeds close to 100Mbps. The gaming and streaming capabilities of Starlink have drawn public attention, including from prominent social media figures who have said they prefer Starlink-equipped flights.
Market Context and What Comes Next
The in-flight Wi-Fi market is becoming more competitive as low-Earth orbit satellite networks mature. Amazon’s entry adds a second major player to a space Starlink has largely dominated. Whether airlines beyond Delta and JetBlue will adopt Leo depends heavily on how quickly Amazon can scale its satellite constellation and prove service reliability. The mid-2026 commercial launch will be a key test for the program.
