Air Canada’s Entertainment Gets an Audiobook and Podcast Upgrade

Passengers flying with Air Canada can now listen to a diverse choice of original audiobooks and podcasts, as the carrier has formed a new partnership with Audible to upgrade its in-flight entertainment (IFE) options.

The partnership allows for the addition of 160 hours of Audible Original Audiobook and Podcast content to Air Canada’s IFE, and it’s now available on board all of the airline’s aircraft equipped with IFE systems.

Photo: Courtesy of Air Canada

Passengers can now listen to content from a diverse range of topics, from Sports, True Crime, and Wellness to Comedy, Action and Adventure, and Family offerings. The library also has a wide selection of original Canadian content, available in both English and French, including highlights such as Sidney Crosby: The Rookie Year, Seven Truths, and Women Talking.

“We’re thrilled to announce Audible as the latest global brand to work with Air Canada as we continue to expand the in-flight entertainment choices we offer our customers,” said John Moody, Managing Director of Product Design at Air Canada.

“Entertainment is an important part of the in-flight experience, and with a growing interest in audio stories, the addition of inspiring and engaging articles and interviews in audio format complements the diverse range of content available in our unparalleled in-flight programming.”

Photo: Air Canada, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of John McArthur / Unsplash

Audible, a subsidiary of tech giant Amazon, is also offering Air Canada passengers two months of free membership to its subscription service as part of its exclusive partnership with the airline, allowing travelers to continue their audiobooks and podcasts or find new content whilst at home.

“Audible is committed to creating exceptional listening experiences for its customers around the world – including as they travel for pleasure and business,” said Georgia Knox, Canada Country Manager at Audible.

“Through our collaboration with Air Canada, we’re able to inspire, entertain, and inform more listeners than ever before on their journeys. Travelers will have access to an extensive list of content, including a section of Canadian Audible Originals that we develop with up-and-coming talent and some of the country’s biggest names.”

Photo: Apple TV+ Takes Flight with Air Canada. Courtesy of CNW Group/Air Canada

This new partnership with Audible is the latest in a string of improvements that Air Canada has made to its IFE systems in recent months. In August, the Canadian flag carrier added both Apple TV+ and Paramount+ content to flights, taking its total IFE library to over 2,500 hours of film, TV, podcasts, and music.

Back in May, Air Canada launched a free in-flight messaging service for Aeroplan members that is available on all of the carrier’s WiFi-equipped aircraft, including those on its Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express fleets. It also became the first airline in Canada to offer live TV to passengers in both French and English last November, with a range of sports and news channels available on board.

Air Canada has already won numerous awards for its IFE offerings this year, including Global Traveler’s Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fifth year running and the Passenger Choice Award for Best Entertainment in North America in the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) awards. Skytrax also named it the World’s Most Family Friendly Airline in June.