British Airways Parent Targets Advanced Wi-Fi Options with Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper

IAG, the parent of British Airways, is weighing options with multiple providers, including Amazon.com Inc’s AMZN Project Kuiper and Elon Musk’s Starlink to equip its fleet with Wi-Fi service, Bloomberg cites from an interview with IAG’s head of innovation, Annalisa Gigante.

According to the report, Gigante acknowledged working with Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper towards something likely for 2025.

Also Read: Amazon’s Project Kuiper In Talks With Taiwan For Satellite Partnership

According to the Bloomberg report, while U.S. airlines can easily switch to Starlink because the Federal Aviation Administration has already authenticated it, European carriers have to undergo a certification process. British Airways would need a separate certification from Iberia, she said.

Amazon plans to launch the first operational Kuiper satellites by 2025.

The talks reflect airlines forging deals with Starlink and rivals for faster, affordable, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi. Starlink boasts of ~4 million customers.

In March, Icelandair selected ViaSat Inc VSAT for Wi-Fi on the new Airbus fleet to ensure an online experience with streaming entertainment.

In May, Qatar Airways collaborated with Starlink to offer complimentary Wi-Fi on three of its Boeing Co BA 777-300 aircraft.

In September, United Airlines Holdings, Inc UAL announced plans to offer free inflight Wi-Fi to its passengers, leveraging Starlink service.

Also in September, Hawaiian Airlines Airbus-operated flights announced the availability of Starlink satellite internet service.

Price Action: AMZN stock is up 1.73% at $228.91 at the last check on Tuesday.

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