Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian reportedly criticised Elon Musk while explaining why the carrier did not select SpaceX’s Starlink for its next
generation of in-flight internet. The comments were relayed by an aviation-focused X account and have not been independently authenticated by Delta or Bastian.
According to the account, Bastian said Delta did not want to work with Musk and, at an earlier event, allegedly said that reports about Musk’s reputation were true. The allegation is significant but remains second-hand. It should not be presented as a confirmed direct statement without a recording, transcript or company confirmation.
https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2105091996255703121?s=20
Why Delta chose Amazon Leo
Delta announced Amazon’s Leo satellite network as a future connectivity partner instead of Starlink. Bastian previously defended the decision publicly, saying Amazon offered a broader package that included retail, Prime and gaming capabilities, as well as a lower price. Delta has also said Amazon met its technical requirements and supported its vision for connected travel.
Starlink already serves several airlines and uses a much larger operational satellite network. Amazon Leo is still being built, and Delta’s next-generation rollout is not expected to begin until 2028. That timing creates a competitive question because United expects to complete its Starlink installation by the end of 2027.
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Why Starlink became an issue
Musk previously argued that Delta rejected Starlink because SpaceX wanted passengers to connect without an annoying login portal. Delta disputed that explanation. The airline said passengers would still use Delta Sync through a SkyMiles login and that its choice reflected fleet needs and the potential for a broader Amazon partnership.
Other airlines using Starlink also integrate the service with branded loyalty systems, so the portal dispute does not fully explain the decision. The newly reported personal remarks, if accurate, would add a leadership and reputational factor to an already complex commercial choice.
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What Musk said
After the alleged comments circulated, Musk wrote that Bastian would lose his job over the decision. He also said Delta would lose many customers and mocked the airline’s current connectivity by suggesting a Delta flight was a good place to isolate an AI system from the internet.
