Air Canada to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi

Air Canada announces plans to roll out fast, streaming-quality Wi-Fi service powered by Bell starting in May 2025 and available to Aeroplan members on Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft for flights within North America and beach destinations. The airline also plans to expand the free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.

“Reliable access to 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, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital and President, Aeroplan. “We’re thrilled to offer fast, free Wi-Fi to all Aeroplan members, starting with a customer-focused rollout that includes installing the service on Air Canada Express Q400s, including those flying from Billy Bishop Toronto Airport.” While other Canadian airlines have announced free Wi-Fi service, not all have accelerated deployment across their fleet or committed to offering the service globally. In addition, more than 85 per cent of aircraft will be connected on day one, with the remaining deployments prioritized throughout 2025,” Nasr concluded.

Fast, free Wi-Fi will be available on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and most Air Canada Express aircraft. This initiative builds on the complimentary Bell-sponsored Wi-Fi texting service available to Aeroplan members starting in May 2023. Air Canada offers its customers a best-in-class product, including new and enhanced amenities such as chef-inspired menus, complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine, hours of complimentary in-flight entertainment and live TV on IFE-equipped aircraft, and an industry-leading mobile app, offering real-time baggage tracking, digital identification and more.

Customers who are not already Aeroplan members can sign up for free at aircanada.com/aeroplan (website in English). Customers who are not Aeroplan members can purchase Wi-Fi for their flight at a special rate.

“This new chapter in our partnership with Air Canada reflects our purpose to improve the way Canadians connect with each other and the world,” said Blaik Kirby, President of Bell’s Consumer and Small Business Group. “We are transforming the flying experience for Aeroplan members, enabling them to be productive, stream entertainment and stay connected throughout their journey.”

Industry first: Free, fast Wi-Fi expanded to Toronto Billy Bishop.

Customers travelling on select regional routes on Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft across Canada, including Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, Montreal or Ottawa, will continue to enjoy this benefit, watching live TV and enjoying uninterrupted connectivity on their personal device throughout their flight. Plans to complete the certification and implementation of Wi-Fi connectivity on Q400 aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first phase completed by the end of the year. This will be the first offering of fast, free Wi-Fi on Q400 aircraft.

Since May 2023, Bell has sponsored in-flight Wi-Fi services, providing Aeroplan members with free text messaging on board, available on more than 90% of Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express mainline aircraft.

Source: Air Canada.