Air Canada announces free Wi-Fi for all flights in 2025, will it change air travel?

In Canada, Air Canada has announced its plan to provide free Wi-Fi service to Aeroplan loyalty program members aboard its flights. This service will begin in May 2025 for users on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft serving North American and Central American routes, followed by its introduction on long-haul international flights in 2026. This initiative builds on a current partnership with telecommunications company Bell, which also provides Aeroplan members free text messaging services during flights. Mark Nasr, Air Canada's executive vice-president of marketing and digital, acknowledged increasing customer demand for free Wi-Fi, suggesting that such services are now seen as essential by travelers for both business and leisure activities. The airline aims to have the necessary installations completed, ensuring availability at a considerable scale by the time the service launches. Currently, Air Canada passengers can purchase various Wi-Fi packages, which range from $6.50 for a one-hour pass to $65.95 for a monthly plan. Non-Aeroplan members will still have the option to pay for these packages, highlighting that the service is not exclusively limited to loyalty members. This move towards offering complimentary Wi-Fi follows similar initiatives by other airlines. WestJet, another Canadian airline, has recently partnered with Telus to provide free internet services for its loyalty program members through Starlink satellite technology, which began in December 2024. WestJet expects to equip its fleet with the necessary infrastructure by the end of 2025 for narrow-bodied planes and follow up with wide-body aircraft by late 2026. Additionally, Porter Airlines already provides free Wi-Fi on its Embraer E195-E2 fleet, emphasizing the competitive landscape in the airline industry regarding connectivity services. As Air Canada works toward upgrading more of its fleet, it plans to enhance Wi-Fi capabilities aboard an increasing proportion of its aircraft, ensuring that travelers can access high-speed internet during their journeys. The service is designed to meet the expectations of modern travelers who, while flying, seek connectivity for work or personal use. The existing capability of more than two-thirds of Air Canada’s Boeing 737 Max fleet to provide Wi-Fi demonstrates the airline's commitment to technological upgrades and improvements in customer service. Overall, this progression towards free Wi-Fi on flights represents a significant enhancement in in-flight services, seeking to address concerns from frequent fliers who prioritize seamless connectivity while traveling. As the industry shifts towards providing free Wi-Fi services, it reflects changing consumer behaviors and preferences surrounding air travel. The airline industry may see significant shifts in customer loyalty based on how well these new offerings meet user expectations, marking a critical evolution in service delivery among airlines in Canada and beyond.