Air Canada will become the third airline in Canada to offer free inflight Wi-Fi when they roll out fast, free streaming-quality Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell in 2025. The airline will begin roll in May 2025 with a good portion of their fleet offering the service right from day one and the airline will be the first to offer the service on Q400 aircraft.
The roll out of free inflight Wi-Fi
Air Canada will begin to introduce complimentary onboard Wi-Fi as of May 2025 on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for flights within North American and for Sun markets. The airline also plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.
Air Canada may leapfrog their rival, WestJet, who announced free inflight earlier in deployment of the complimentary service as it will become available on over 85% of Air Canada’s fleet from day one with the remaining installations taking place during 2025.
“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 at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan. “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 the 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.”
Industry first free Wi-Fi on Dash 8 Q400 aircraft
What can be seen as a direct shot sent into Porter Airlines’ court – Air Canada will be the first in the industry to offer free Wi-Fi on their De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 aircraft. The service will be offered on select regional routes between Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport and Montreal and Ottawa.
“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.”
Free Wi-Fi will be for Aeroplan members
Following in the footsteps of airlines like Delta and WestJet, the inflight Wi-Fi that is sponsored by Bell will be free for all Aeroplan members. Like Delta, Air Canada will likely see small spikes in membership acquisition right before a flight is being boarded as passengers who aren’t members join the program right at the gate so that they can get the free on their flight.
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Image via CNW Group/Air Canada