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Elon Musk and Delta Air Lines (DAL) CEO Ed Bastian are at the center of a public clash over satellite internet service for airline passengers. The dispute combines sharp personal attacks with a consequential contest for carrier contracts and reliable cabin connectivity.

The flareup began after airline industry watcher JonNYC posted remarks that Bastian reportedly made at a Delta company event. Speaking about SpaceX’s (SPCX) Starlink satellite service, Bastian allegedly said, “We do not want to be with Elon Musk. Trust me.”

The watcher, who uses the X handle @xJonNYC, also shared comments reportedly made by Bastian at an earlier event. Bastian allegedly said Delta had tested Starlink but declined to partner with Musk: “If you know his reputation, it’s all true what they say about him.”

JonNYC said the quotations reached him secondhand and could not be verified. In a follow up, he cited a “very solid” source who said the points of contention were “mainly financial ones,” adding a disclaimer after the account attracted widespread attention.

Delta did not immediately respond when contacted for comment. Musk, however, quickly entered the fight and showed no interest in letting the reported criticism pass unanswered.

“He will lose his job over this,” Musk wrote Tuesday in response to a View from the Wing post about the reported remarks. That post came from travel blogger Gary Leff.

Several hours later, Musk intensified his mockery of Delta’s internet service. “Best way to sandbox an AI is to put it on a Delta flight — it will have no chance of accessing the Internet!” he posted in a message that passed 5 million views.

Sandboxing refers to isolating an artificial intelligence system from outside networks, usually for safety testing. Musk used the concept to ridicule the availability and reliability of internet access aboard Delta flights.

Musk had already criticized the airline on Monday. “Delta will lose a lot of customers,” he replied to author John LeFevre, who posted that United Airlines (UAL) had more than 600 aircraft equipped with Starlink while Delta had none.

Behind the insults sits a serious commercial battle over airline contracts. Carriers are trying to satisfy growing passenger demand for internet service that is both fast and dependable inside aircraft cabins.

Delta selected Amazon’s (AMZN) Leo satellite network instead of Starlink earlier this year. The airline also relies on Viasat and EchoStar’s Hughes for its current internet service.

Delta reportedly favored Amazon because an agreement could be bundled with the company’s cloud and content businesses. Amazon also agreed to let passengers connect through Delta’s Sync login portal, an arrangement that Starlink would not allow, according to Musk.

Starlink has nevertheless secured business from several Delta rivals. United began installing the service in 2024, while American Airlines (AAL) selected Starlink in May for more than 500 jets.

American Airlines shares rose 6% on the day its Starlink decision was announced. Hawaiian, JetBlue (JBLU), and Qatar Airways have also signed agreements for the satellite internet service.

The schedule for Delta’s chosen network creates another challenge. Amazon’s Leo is not expected to enter beta until next year, meaning United and Southwest (LUV) could complete their Starlink deployments before Delta begins installing Leo connectivity.

Starlink already has an operating record, and reviewers have praised its service aboard aircraft. That combination could create a risk that Delta loses frequent fliers, although no data cited in the report proves that business travelers or frequent fliers are switching airlines.

The continuing dispute reflects the value both sides place on airline internet contracts and passenger loyalty. Bastian leads what the report described as the world’s most valuable airline, while Musk’s Starlink continues building relationships with major Delta competitors.

DISCLAIMER: GoldInvestors.news is not a registered investment, legal or tax advisor or broker/dealer. All investment/financial opinions expressed by GoldInvestors.news are from the personal research and experience of the owner of the site and are intended as educational material. Although best efforts are made to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date, occasionally unintended errors and misprints may occur.