Delta CEO Denies Rejecting Starlink Over Elon Musk, Says “I Drive A Tesla”
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian denies that personal tension with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk caused the airline to pass on Starlink for aircraft Wi-Fi installations. Speaking to CNBC, Bastian rejected rumors of a personal feud, noting that he drives a Tesla and calling himself a fan of Starlink. He explained that Delta chose to work with Amazon Leo instead due to business model disagreements and concerns that Starlink's technology was not yet fully scalable for their fleet. The comments arrived as Delta reported record September-quarter revenue alongside its first earnings miss in two years.
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- ✓ Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated there is no personal feud with Elon Musk regarding the decision to pass on Starlink.
- ✓ Ed Bastian defended the airline's choice by pointing to business model disagreements and stating that he drives a Tesla.
- ✓ Delta plans to utilize Amazon Leo for future aircraft Wi-Fi installations.
What changed
Delta CEO Ed Bastian publicly addressed the reasons behind skipping Starlink during a television appearance, denying any personal animosity toward Elon Musk.
Live updates
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Delta CEO Denies Starlink Feud, Citing Business
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian denies that personal tension with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk caused the airline to pass on Starlink for aircraft Wi-Fi installations. Speaking to CNBC, Bastian rejected rumors of a personal feud, noting that he drives a Tesla and calling himself a fan of Starlink. He explained that Delta chose to work with Amazon Leo instead due to business model disagreements and concerns that Starlink's technology was not yet fully scalable for their fleet. The comments arrived as Delta reported record September-quarter revenue alongside its first earnings miss in two years.
Why it matters
Airlines are rapidly upgrading inflight connectivity to meet passenger demands, making satellite-based internet a major competitive arena. Questions surrounding Delta's vendor choices intensified following public friction and online remarks involving SpaceX leadership. Bastian clarified that the decision was strictly based on corporate strategy rather than personal animosity.
What is confirmed
- Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated there is no personal feud with Elon Musk regarding the decision to pass on Starlink.
- Ed Bastian defended the airline's choice by pointing to business model disagreements and stating that he drives a Tesla.
- Delta plans to utilize Amazon Leo for future aircraft Wi-Fi installations.
What to watch next
- Further announcements regarding the implementation timeline for Amazon Leo Wi-Fi on Delta aircraft.
- Additional updates on Delta's ongoing upgrades to existing inflight Wi-Fi systems.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.cnbc.com — Delta CEO: 'Safety is going to make the call' on launching Saudi Arabia flight
- The New York Times — Airlines Are Upgrading Wi-Fi. Not All Are Using Elon Musk’s Service.
- Business Insider — Delta CEO says there's no Elon Musk feud: 'I drive a Tesla'
- BASENOR — Delta's Starlink Snub, Explained in 5 Points
- Travel Weekly — Delta CEO addresses Starlink WiFi controversy
- Live and Let's Fly — Delta CEO Denies Rejecting Starlink Over Elon Musk, Says “I Drive A Tesla”
- liveandletsfly.com — Delta CEO Denies Rejecting Starlink Over Elon Musk, Says “I Drive A Tesla” - Live and Let's Fly
- www.ibtimes.com.au — Delta's CEO Says Choosing Amazon Over Starlink Was Not Personal: "I Drive a Tesla"
- www.businessinsider.com — Delta CEO says there's no Elon Musk feud: 'I drive a Tesla'
- www.insideflyer.com — Delta CEO denies Starlink rejection tied to Musk
- teslanorth.com — Delta CEO Says He Drives a Tesla, Explains Why Delta Passed ...
- finance.yahoo.com — ‘I drive a Tesla’: After Elon Musk said he’d lose his job ...
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