Amazon Instant Video will soon be available to consumers in the sky. The ecommerce giant has struck a deal with JetBlue to provide unlimited, free video streaming access to Amazon Prime members through the airline’s in-flight Fly-Fi broadband internet.
Using satellite technology, JetBlue currently provides two types of wifi connections to customers. The first is the high-bandwidth Fly-Fi, which is currently in beta testing. Fly-Fi service costs customers $9 pr hour, but is capable of video streaming. JetbBlue’s other wifi offering, Simply Surf, is free but isn’t fast enough to stream video content.
Under the JetBlue streaming deal, Prime members will receive Fly-Fi access at no extra charge to their airline ticket or Prime membership so they can stream Amazon titles in the air without interruption. Additionally, all JetBlue customers will be able to rent or buy Amazon Instant Video titles to stream during flights (as a separate cost from purchasing Fly-Fi time).
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“We want to provide the best digital video experience to our customers and we’re excited that, with JetBlue, we will raise the bar in airline entertainment,” said Michael Paull, Vice President of Digital Video at Amazon, in a release. “We’re thrilled that Fly-Fi technology will give Prime members and customers unlimited, on-demand access to the full catalog of titles from Amazon’s digital video library while they’re in the sky–without the need to rush to download one more episode or movie before taking off, we’re helping make airline travel more enjoyable.”
“Amazon’s customer focus aligns perfectly with the experience we have created for our customers, including the best inflight entertainment, free unlimited snacks and beverages, lots of personal space with the most legroom in coach, and wide, comfortable seating,” added Jamie Perry, JetBlue’s Vice President of Brand and Product Development. “By teaming up with a category-leader like Amazon, we created a unique model where we can offer complimentary broadband internet access.”
Amazon Instant Video will be available this year via Fly-Fi on JetBlue’s Airbus A321 and A320 aircrafts. Fly-Fi will be enabled for Amazon Prime members on Embraer E190 planes in 2016.
