Air Canada will gradually roll out fast and free Wi-Fi across its route map, starting in the spring of 2025.
Free Wi-Fi On Air Canada Coming In 2025
Fast, free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell is coming to North America and “Sun” flights (what Air Canada calls its leisure destinations in the Caribbean) beginning in May 2025, with long-haul international routes to follow in 2026.
This is not something that Air Canada is just starting now and will take years to complete, but is a process that not only has already begun, but is already in advanced stages. Air Canada will even add Wi-Fi to its Q400 turboprop fleet, providing a fleetwide commonality to Wi-Fi and streaming entertainment.
The free service will be available gate-to-gate for all Aeroplan members on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express aircraft. Air Canada already offers free in-flight messaging to Aeroplan members.
Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s President of Aeroplan and Executive Vice President of Marketing and Digital explained:
“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. 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.”
I quote this in full because Nasr rightly recognizes the fundamental importance of wi-fi today. I am typing this story on a plane with Viasat Wi-Fi and I really don’t care to travel on a flight without wi-fi anymore, especially during daytime hours. Installing Wi-Fi even on the Q400s is a great move that provides guests onboard a very reliable experience.
CONCLUSION
I’m glad to see Air Canada joining the free Wi-Fi bandwagon: it is a great industry trend that I hope we will see more of. While that extra bandwidth may slow speeds, I am thankful we are in an era in which Wi-Fi is faster than ever and moving toward free for everyone…it’s progress.
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