Air Canada announced plans this week to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi fleetwide, including some of its regional aircraft. The Canadian flag carrier will introduce fast, free streaming-quality Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell beginning in May 2025.
Complimentary service will be available to Aeroplan Members on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for flights within North American and Sun markets. The airline also plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.
Fast, free Wi-Fi will be available on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and most Air Canada Express aircraft. While the airline doesn’t specify, I’d expect its fleet of Embraer E-Jets to get the equipment as the carrier operates these aircraft on some very long routes.
The rollout of free, streaming quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members Builds on the existing free Wi-Fi texting service which is also sponsored by Bell. In an exciting development for travelers, and a direct attack at rival Porter Airlines, Air Canada will also offer free Wi-Fi on its Q400 turboprops operating between Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) and Montreal (YUL) or Ottawa (YOW).
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan, had this to say about the Wi-Fi upgrades:
“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.”
Air Canada passengers who aren’t already an Aeroplan members can sign up free of charge at aircanada.com/aeroplan. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to sign up for Aeroplan, you can purchase Wi-Fi for a flat fee for the duration of your flight.
Summary
Air Canada is rolling out free Wi-Fi across its fleet beginning in May 2025. While North American and Sun routes will be the first to get the offering, it is expected to extend to long-haul flights as of 2026. The carrier is also adding free Wi-Fi to select Q400 turboprops serving Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.
(Image courtesy Lorenz von Schimonsky)
