TELUS and WestJet unveiled the first step in a multi-year strategic partnership that will transform the in-flight experience for WestJet guests by providing industry-leading, fast and free internet.
Presented by TELUS and delivered by Starlink onboard WestJet aircrafts, this announcement marks the beginning of a fully-integrated partnership between WestJet and TELUS, and a significant leap forward for the airline's in-flight connectivity.
"Through our strategic partnership with TELUS, we are setting a new standard in the Canadian airline industry by offering Starlink's revolutionary in-flight connectivity, and thanks to TELUS we are able to bring this in-flight 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 will announce additional, exclusive benefits and perks for WestJet Rewards members and TELUS customers.
Enabling the New Era of Canadian In-flight Connectivity in 2024
"The future of in-flight 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," added Zainul Mawji, EVP and President, TELUS Consumer Solutions.
WestJet will be the largest North American and first commercial Boeing 737 airline to offer in-flight connectivity powered by Starlink's best-in-class technology platform, which includes the world's largest satellite constellation. Starlink was selected as WestJet's new in-flight technology partner for its ability to deliver enough bandwidth and the lowest latency internet for every guest onboard to live-stream videos or online game 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," commented Jason Fritch, SpaceX's Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales.
This new platform will take flight before the end of 2024, with plans to complete the installation on WestJet's modern narrowbody fleet by the end of 2025. All wide-body aircraft are planned to be upgraded by the end of 2026.
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