Air Canada has announced plans to provide free Wi-Fi to its Aeroplan members on North American and Central American flights starting in May 2025, with international routes to follow in 2026. Sponsored by telecom giant Bell, this initiative builds on an existing partnership that already offers free text messaging to passengers aboard Wi-Fi-equipped flights.
Wi-Fi Access Details
The complimentary Wi-Fi service will be available on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and most Air Canada Express aircraft. The airline promises “streaming-quality” internet, catering to growing customer demand for seamless connectivity during travel.
Non-Aeroplan members will still have the option to purchase Wi-Fi packages, with pricing starting at $6.50 for an hour or $21 for a one-way flight. Monthly plans are available for $65.95.
Enhancing Fleet Connectivity
Currently, more than two-thirds of Air Canada’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet is Wi-Fi equipped. By next year, the airline plans to upgrade the remainder of its fleet and equip the majority of its Air Canada Express planes, which service regional Canadian and U.S. routes, with Wi-Fi capabilities.
Growing Competition in Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
Air Canada’s move comes as other airlines also expand their free in-flight internet services. Earlier this year, WestJet partnered with Telus Corp. to provide free Wi-Fi for WestJet Rewards members using Starlink satellite technology. Porter Airlines began offering free Wi-Fi on its Embraer E195-E2 fleet in 2022.
Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s executive vice-president of marketing and digital, emphasized the importance of meeting customer expectations: “We think it’s becoming a core expectation of customers whether they’re travelling for business or for leisure.”
Expanding Aeroplan Benefits
This announcement extends Air Canada’s existing free text messaging service for Aeroplan members, launched in May 2023. That service allows members to send and receive messages via apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Google Messages on any Wi-Fi-enabled device, regardless of their mobile carrier.
As airlines compete to enhance in-flight experiences, Air Canada’s latest offering signals its commitment to keeping passengers connected and satisfied on every journey.
