WestJet and TELUS have teamed up in a multi-year strategic partnership that will see WestJet Rewards members enjoy fast and free Starlink inflight internet beginning as soon as year-end.
Plans are to complete the installation on WestJet's modern narrow-body fleet by the end of 2025. All wide-body aircraft are planned to be upgraded by the end of 2026.
WestJet says the announcement marks the beginning of a fully integrated partnership between WestJet and TELUS, and a significant leap forward for the airline's inflight connectivity.
John Weatherill, WestJet (Photo Credit: WestJet)
"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 EVP and Chief Commercial Officer.
WestJet will be the largest North American and first commercial Boeing 737 airline to offer inflight connectivity powered by Starlink's technology platform, which includes the world's largest satellite constellation.
Starlink was selected as WestJet's new inflight technology partner for its ability to deliver enough bandwidth and lowest latency internet for every guest onboard to live-stream videos or online game direct from their devices as if they were at home.
In the coming months, WestJet and TELUS say they will announce additional benefits and perks 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, EVP and President, TELUS Consumer Solutions.
"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
Access to the new inflight system will be exclusively provided to WestJet Rewards members free of charge thanks to TELUS. WestJet guests can become WestJet Rewards members by simply creating a WestJet Rewards account online at any time in advance of their WestJet operated flight.
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