Amazon announced today that it has partnered with JetBlue Airways to offer Prime members free access to unlimited in-flight WiFi and streaming from the Amazon Instant Video store.
In addition, anyone who isn’t a Prime customer will still be able to purchase TV shows and movies from the store for a fee, with free content being reserved for actual subscribers.
The Fly-Fi service on JetBlue planes normally costs $9 per hour, and the current connection is not strong enough for streaming.
Amazon has said it collaborated with JetBlue to make sure the new offering will support high-quality streaming.
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It will be available on all of JetBlue’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft later this year. In 2016 it will be on the Embraer E190 fleet as well.
This is a big move by Amazon. It’s also surprising that Netflix didn’t get there first. A similar partnership would be welcomed with open arms in Europe where in-flight WiFi isn’t widely available yet.
Photo credit: JetBlue Airways
Read next: In-flight WiFi outside the USA: The complete guide
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