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Air Canada Secretly Utilizes Starlink for Regional Aircraft Internet Connectivity

Air Canada initiates equipping select Dash 8-400 turboprop planes on shorter domestic flights with high-speed satellite internet, specifically from Starlink. Despite the airline's official statement not explicitly naming Starlink, the context suggests it's likely the chosen provider.

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Air Canada Employs Starlink in Secret for Connectivity within Regional Airline Operations
Air Canada Employs Starlink in Secret for Connectivity within Regional Airline Operations

Air Canada is making waves in the aviation industry with its latest move to enhance in-flight connectivity. The Canadian carrier has announced separate initiatives for its Embraer E175 and Bombardier CR9 regional jets and Dash 8-400 turboprops.

For the Embraer E175 and Bombardier CR9 regional jets, Air Canada has partnered with Eutelsat to power its in-flight Wi-Fi using the company's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This makes Air Canada the first commercial airline to deploy Eutelsat's LEO satellite-powered internet service, offering passengers gate-to-gate high-speed connectivity.

On the other hand, Air Canada is installing Starlink high-speed satellite internet on select Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft. However, it's not confirmed whether the entire Q400 fleet will eventually receive the upgrade. The service will be offered free to members of Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program starting in October, but only for the Dash 8-400 turboprops.

This is a strategic play by Air Canada to leap ahead of the competition. Porter Airlines, a rival of Air Canada, already offers free Wi-Fi powered by Viasat on the same routes as Air Canada's initial rollout of Starlink, but not on its Embraer E175 and Bombardier CR9 regional jets.

De Havilland's Starlink solution, which is being used for Air Canada's Dash 8-400 turboprops, is setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity in regional aviation. The solution can be installed either as a factory option or as a retrofit on in-service Dash 8-400s, allowing airlines to integrate the technology with minimal downtime.

The initial rollout will focus on Q400s flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montreal and Ottawa. As for the Embraer E175 and Bombardier CR9 regional jets, they have already launched in-flight Wi-Fi with Eutelsat.

Air Canada is expected to be the first airline to follow and install Starlink on their Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft, beginning with a retrofit program of about 25 planes operated by Jazz Aviation for Air Canada Express, with rollout starting in late 2024 or 2025. Other Q400 operators are expected to follow Air Canada's lead in installing Starlink high-speed satellite internet.

It's an exciting time for in-flight connectivity as Air Canada leads the way in bringing high-speed internet to regional aviation. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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