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.
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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