Air Canada
has announced that starting in 2025, the airline will begin offering free WiFi access to its customers across all of its aircraft, including the De Havilland Canada DHC Dash 8 Q400s that operate out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
Short-haul routes first
In an announcement on December 12, Air Canada outlined that starting in May 2025, the airline will begin rolling out free WiFi across all of its fleet. The complimentary service will be available to members of its loyalty program, Aeroplan
.
According to Mark Nasr, the executive vice president of Marketing and Digital of Air Canada, complimentary internet access will be available on 85% of the airline’s aircraft from day one.
“Reliable access to streaming-quality WiFi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies.”
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
However, Air Canada noted that aircraft operating flights within North America and Sun markets, including destinations in the US, the Caribbean, and Mexico, will come equipped with complimentary WiFi first. Long-haul flights will have free WiFi starting in 2026, the airline said.
“Although other Canadian airlines have announced free WiFi services, not all have accelerated installation across their fleets or committed to offering the service comprehensively.”
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.
First free WiFi On Q400s
The Canadian carrier also highlighted that it would be the first airline to offer free WiFi on flights from Toronto-Billy Bishop airport
, which is an intra-city airport that is restricted to turboprop operations only.
Photo: Randy Blackwell | Shutterstock
As a result, passengers flying out from the airport will be able to stay productive, stream live television, and enjoy seamless connectivity on their personal devices throughout the flight. Air Canada pointed out that it plans to begin the certification and installation of WiFi hardware on Q400
aircraft in 2025 and complete the first phase of the project by the end of the year.
“We’re excited to offer fast, free WiFi 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.”
Data from the aviation analytics company Cirium showed that in May 2025, Air Canada has scheduled 84 flights from Toronto-Billy Bishop to Ottawa International Airport (YOW, 28 weekly flights) and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
(YUL, 56 weekly flights). Jazz, its regional affiliate, will operate all of the aforementioned itineraries marketed under the Air Canada Express
brand.
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Partnering with Bell
Air Canada reiterated that the new WiFi policy has been enabled by its partnership with Bell, which builds on the existing free WiFi texting service that has been available for Aeroplan members since May 2023.
Blaik Kirby, the Group President of Consumer and Small Business at Bell, said that the next stage in the two companies’ partnership reflected its purpose to push forward how Canadians connect with each other and the world.
“We are transforming the in-flight experience for Aeroplan Members, enabling them to be productive, stream entertainment, and stay connected throughout their journey.”
In July, WestJet
, Canada’s other full-service airline, announced that it would be introducing free WiFi in December. The carrier, partnered with TELUS, will leverage Starlink to provide free internet for WestJet Rewards customers.
At the time, the Canadian airline detailed that it would install antennas on its “modern narrowbody fleet” by the end of 2025, while every widebody should come equipped with WiFi by the end of 2026.
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The airline will start offering this service from December 2024.
