Air Canada Takes Off with Free High-Speed Wi-Fi in 2025
Free Wi-Fi is coming for Aeroplan Members in 2025, with long-haul routes following in 2026, sponsored by Bell
Photo: Courtesy of Air Canada
Air Canada is introducing fast, free Wi-Fi for its Aeroplan frequent flyer program members on flights across North America and Sun destinations starting May 2025.
Sponsored by Bell, Canada’s largest telecommunications company, what the airline touts as a “streaming-quality service” will also expand to long-haul international routes in 2026, placing Air Canada amongst the latest trend of top carriers offering inflight connectivity to its customers.
Photo: Courtesy of Air Canada / CNW Group
“Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travelers. 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.
Rollout Strategy
Air Canada’s ambitious connectivity rollout will cover its entire fleet and brands, including Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and most Air Canada Express aircraft.
By early spring 2025, the airline says over 85 percent of its aircraft will be Wi-Fi-enabled, with the remaining installations prioritized for completion by the end of the year.
For the first time, flights operating from Toronto’s city center, Billy Bishop Airport, on Air Canada Express Q400 aircraft will also feature Wi-Fi connectivity, marking an industry-first for regional turboprops.
Photo: Air Canada Express Q400. Courtesy of Air Canada
The airline says all routes between Billy Bishop and destinations like Montreal and Ottawa will allow travelers to stay connected gate-to-gate with this new technology.
Certification and installation of Wi-Fi on Q400s are slated to begin in 2025, with the first phase expected to be completed by year-end.
“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 of Consumer and Small Business at Bell.
Benefits for Aeroplan Members
Passengers will enjoy complimentary access to the airline’s new high-speed Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay productive, stream entertainment, and remain connected throughout their journey as long as they’re Aeroplan members.
This initiative is similar to what Delta Air Lines offers to its SkyMiles members, who can access high-speed inflight connectivity at no additional cost as long as they are part of the frequent flyer program.
Photo: Courtesy of Air Canada
For customers who are not Aeroplan members, the airline encourages them to sign up for free to take advantage of this service. Non-members can also purchase Wi-Fi at a reduced flat fee.
This new initiative builds on Bell’s existing sponsorship of free in-flight texting, which was introduced in May 2023, and further enhances Air Canada’s industry-leading inflight offerings.
Catching Up with the Competition
Air Canada is upgrading its Wi-Fi service at a time when competition among airlines in the country is intensifying. Porter Airlines, for instance, advertises connectivity “from the moment you board until you leave the aircraft” on all of its Embraer E195-E2 jets, as stated on its website.
One of Canada’s largest airlines, WestJet, offers paid connectivity, but only when the aircraft is at cruising altitude.
Photo: Courtesy of CNW Group / Air Canada
“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,” explains As Nasr. “Air Canada is proud to set the standard with fast, free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.”
On the international stage, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming increasingly standard. Leading airlines such as Qatar Airways and Air France have partnered with SpaceX to utilize its Starlink connectivity suite, with the Doha-based carrier already offering the service onboard some of its Boeing 777 fleet.
In the U.S., United Airlines has also teamed up with Elon Musk’s company to provide high-speed internet access on over 1,000 aircraft.
Air Canada, using its connectivity suite, promises its customers the ability to stay connected and stream high-definition movies, videos, and music from their favorite entertainment platforms, just as they would at home.
Photo: Courtesy of Air Canada
Air Canada’s upgrade to passenger experience improves its standing in inflight innovation within Canada. This initiative aims to deliver seamless service across its network and to keep pace with world-class airlines, especially as the demand for reliable connectivity becomes increasingly important.
