Air Canada is to roll-out free Wi-Fi from May 2025
Sponsored by telecoms company Bell, the service will be available to Aeroplan loyalty card members on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for flights within North American and Sun markets. The airline also plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.
READ: Anuvu signs IFE deal with Air Canada
“Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, and President of Aeroplan at Air Canada. “We’re excited to offer fast, free Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi services, not all have accelerated installation across their fleets or committed to offering the service comprehensively. Air Canada plans to offer fast, free Wi-Fi 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.”
The service will be available on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and most Air Canada Express aircraft. This initiative builds on the existing free Wi-Fi texting service also sponsored by Bell, available since May 2023 for Aeroplan Members. Plans to complete certification and installation of Wi-Fi connectivity on regional Q400 aircraft is targeted to begin in 2025 with planned completion of a first phase by year-end. This is set to be the first free Wi-Fi offering on aircraft of the type.
“This next chapter in our partnership with Air Canada reflects our purpose to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world,” said Blaik Kirby, Group President, Consumer and Small Business at Bell. “We are transforming the in-flight experience for Aeroplan Members, enabling them to be productive, stream entertainment and stay connected throughout their journey.”
Industry-first: expanding fast, free Wi-Fi to Toronto Billy Bishop
Customers travelling on select regional routes on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft throughout Canada, including between Toronto Billy Bishop Airport and Montreal or Ottawa, will be able to stay productive, stream live TV, and enjoy seamless connectivity on their personal device throughout their flight. Plans to complete certification and installation of Wi-Fi connectivity on Q400 aircraft is targeted to begin in 2025 with planned completion of a first phase by year-end. This is set to be the first fast, free Wi-Fi offering on Q400 aircraft.
Since May 2023, Bell has sponsored in-flight Wi-Fi services, providing Aeroplan Members with free in-flight texting, available on more than 90 per cent of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express aircraft.
The post Air Canada to offer free Wi-Fi to loyalty members appeared first on Aviation Business News.
