WestJet has announced a partnership with TELUS, as a result of which it will equip its aircraft with Starlink internet. Best-in-class high-speed internet will be provided on board the company’s planes starting December 2024.
This announcement marks the beginning of a fully integrated partnership between WestJet and TELUS and a significant step forward for the airline’s in-flight internet connectivity. Thanks to Starlink technology, passengers who are WestJet Rewards members will receive free internet access during their flights.
“Through our strategic partnership with TELUS, we are setting a new standard in the Canadian airline industry by offering Starlink’s revolutionary inflight connectivity, and thanks to TELUS we are able to bring this inflight experience to WestJet Rewards guests for free,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer.
In the coming months, WestJet and TELUS plan to announce additional exclusive benefits and incentives for WestJet Rewards members and TELUS customers.
“The future of inflight connectivity and entertainment is here, and we’re excited to enter this long-term partnership with WestJet to enhance the flying experience for guests and bring more value to WestJet Rewards members and TELUS customers, whether they are on the ground or in the air,” said Zainul Mawji, Executive Vice-President and President, TELUS Consumer Solutions.
WestJet will be the largest North American and first Boeing 737 commercial airline to offer Starlink-powered connectivity on board the aircraft. Starlink will include the world’s largest satellite constellation, consisting of more than 5,000 units. Starlink was selected as WestJet’s new in-flight technology partner for its ability to provide sufficient bandwidth and internet with minimal latency. This means that every guest on board can stream videos or play online games directly from their devices as if they were at home.
“With more than 1,000 aircraft committed to Starlink worldwide, high-speed, low-latency internet is the future of aviation connectivity and we’re excited to work with WestJet to bring Starlink technology to their guests in the coming months,” said Jason Fritch, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales.
Airplanes equipped with Starlink internet will begin to take off before the end of 2024, with plans to complete the installation on WestJet’s modern narrowbody fleet by the end of 2025. All widebody aircraft are planned to be upgraded by the end of 2026.
