Air Canada has announced plans to roll out free inflight wifi from next year.
The move will see the carrier expand its partnership with communications firm Bell, following the launch of free inflight messaging in 2023.
From May next year Aeroplan members will benefit from free connectivity on wifi-enabled aircraft flying within North American and “Sun” markets. The service will then be extended to long-haul international routes in 2026.
The airline said that free wifi would be rolled out to Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and “most” Air Canada Express aircraft.
This will include Q400 aircraft operating on selected routes from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, with certification and installation set to take place in 2025, and a first phase of completion by the end of next year. Air Canada said it would represent “the first fast, free wifi offering on Q400 aircraft”.
There’s no doubt that 2024 has been a tipping point for airlines moving towards free inflight wifi provision. Delta has been rolling out a service in partnership with T-Mobile, with the first international routes benefiting from free wifi earlier this year.
Meanwhile United Airlines and Air France have both announced plans to offer free high-speed wifi utilising SpaceX’s Starlink service, and Turkish Airlines also plans to offer free wifi across its fleet by the end of 2025.
Cathay Pacific recently extended its free first class wifi service to include business class customers, and Japan Airlines (has expanded its free service to all cabins on international flights.
Commenting on the news Mark Nasr, executive vice president, marketing and digital, and president of Aeroplan at Air Canada, said:
“Reliable access to streaming-quality wifi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies.
“We’re excited to offer fast, free wifi to all Aeroplan members, with a customer-focused rollout plan that includes installation of service on our Air Canada Express Q400s, including those that fly from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.
“Although other Canadian airlines have announced free wifi services, not all have accelerated installation across their fleets or committed to offering the service comprehensively.
“Air Canada plans to offer fast, free wifi across its entire fleet and will begin rolling out this service in early Spring. What’s more, over 85% of aircraft will be connected from day one, with the remaining installations being a priority throughout 2025.”
