Elon Musk Says Delta Could Lose Customers Over Starlink Decision

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. CEO Elon Musk said Delta Air Lines could lose customers after the airline chose Amazon's Leo satellite internet service instead of SpaceX's Starlink, according to a report by Badar Shaikh for Benzinga.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has criticized Delta Air Lines for choosing Amazon Leo instead of Starlink for its future in-flight internet service. [Photo: Delta Air Lines Facebook]

Musk responded to a social media user who said Delta could lose passengers because it had not selected Starlink.

"Delta will lose a lot of customers," Musk said.

Delta announced in March that it had selected Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, for its future in-flight connectivity.

The airline plans to begin installing the service on 500 aircraft in 2028.

Amazon and Delta said the system will provide high-speed, low-latency internet on board.

The decision followed discussions between Delta and SpaceX over Starlink. Musk has previously said Delta was in talks with SpaceX, while reports have described disagreements over how the Starlink service would be integrated into Delta's onboard customer experience.

Investor and All-In Podcast host Jason Calacanis has also said Starlink availability influences his choice of commercial flights, emphasizing the growing importance of in-flight connectivity to some travelers.