SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has once again reignited his public criticism of Delta airlines CEO Ed Bastian and the connectivity strategy of the airline, predicting that Delta could lose customers after choosing Amazon’s satellite internet service instead of SpaceX’s Starlink. The latest exchange began after John LeFevre posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that United Airlines had already equipped more than 600 aircrafts, or roughly 36% of its fleet, with Starlink connectivity, while Delta had no plans to adopt the service. Responding to LeFevre’s post, Musk wrote, “Delta will lose a lot of customers”.
Delta backs Amazon’s satellite service
According to a report by TheStreet, earlier this year Delta opted to use Amazon’s Leo satellite internet service instead of Starlink and plans to begin installing the system on 500 aircrafts from 2028. The report also added that Musk earlier claimed that Delta wanted Starlink’s internet service to be routed through the airline’s own proprietary login portal, an arrangement SpaceX was unwilling to support. The Tesla and SpaceX chief also reportedly escalated the dispute by suggesting that Bastian could ultimately lose his job over the decision, following reports that the Delta chief did not want the airline associated with Musk personally
Airline Wi-Fi becoming a competitive battleground
The disagreement highlights intensifying competition in the in-flight connectivity market, where satellite internet is increasingly seen as a differentiating factor for airlines. The report noted that United Airlines has said customer satisfaction with Wi-Fi on Starlink-equipped flights is about twice as high as on aircraft using its previous systems. United aims to connect its entire fleet by the end of 2027.Meanwhile, American Airlines has also committed to installing Starlink on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft, with deployments set to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Whether Musk’s prediction holds up remains to be seen
Analysts note there’s currently no booking data showing travelers actively switching airlines specifically over Wi-Fi provider choice, meaning Musk’s prediction remains speculative for now rather than backed by hard evidence. Still, the broader trend favors his argument to some degree: every additional airline that adopts Starlink adds pressure on holdouts like Delta, particularly as reviewers continue to praise Starlink’s in-flight performance.Delta, for its part, is betting that Amazon’s Leo service will prove competitive once its rollout begins in 2028 — leaving the real verdict on Musk’s prediction to be settled by passengers, not social media posts, over the next couple of years.
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