Air Canada Delivers a Virtually Flawless Wi-Fi Experience on Its E175 Fleet
The Challenge: Meeting Passenger Expectations on Regional Aircraft
Inflight Wi-Fi has evolved from an optional amenity into an essential part of the passenger experience. Travellers increasingly expect to remain connected in the air with the same ease and reliability they experience on the ground, whether streaming video, browsing on any device, or staying productive during regional routes or international flights.
For regional airlines, meeting these expectations can present several challenges:
- Delivering consistent performance throughout the journey
- Supporting work, streaming and social-media use simultaneously
- Providing a simple connection and authentication process
- Maintaining performance around busy aviation hubs
The Need: Fast, High-Speed Wi-Fi for a Frictionless Digital Experience
Air Canada needed an inflight connectivity solution capable of supporting modern passenger behaviour across its regional fleet—one that would work seamlessly from check-in through arrival.
The service needed to deliver:
- Fast access to the onboard Wi-Fi portal
- Reliable connectivity throughout the flight
- Sufficient performance for browsing, work and streaming-quality Wi-Fi
- A simple experience for loyalty members and paying passengers
- Consistent service across different network conditions
The airline also required a solution that could combine complementary satellite capabilities to deliver an optimised experience across the route.
The Solution: Multi-Orbit Technology from a Leading Inflight Connectivity Provider
All 55 of Air Canada's Jazz Aviation-operated E175 and CRJ900 aircrafts—serving routes across North America under the Air Canada Express brand—are equipped with SES's electronically steerable antenna-based connectivity system.
The multi-orbit architecture combines:
- Eutelsat's OneWeb Ku-band LEO connectivity for low-latency, high-speed performance
- SES GEO satellite services providing complementary capacity during high-demand periods
- Quvia's Quality of Experience platform delivering real-time fleet performance visibility
This approach draws on the respective strengths of LEO and GEO networks to support consistent connectivity throughout each journey. Eutelsat's commercial aviation solutions are delivered through specialist partners, enabling airlines—including Air Canada and Air Canada Express — to select configurations aligned with their operational requirements.
The Internet was fast and snappy, and I remained connected for the duration of the flight.
Founder and Editor, Runway Girl Network
The Impact: How Free Wi-Fi Plans Transform the Passenger Experience
During the Washington Dulles–Montréal return journey, the reviewer found the "AC Wi-Fi" network immediately available after boarding. Aeroplan members enjoy Bell-sponsored free Wi-Fi via the airline mobile app or onboard portal, while other passengers can purchase access. Connection took only seconds.
The independent test highlighted several passenger benefits:
- A fast and straightforward connection process
- Stable connectivity throughout the flight
- Performance suitable for everyday online activities
- Automatic recognition of complimentary access in business class
- A journey that felt shorter and more productive
The two-hour flight time between Montréal and Washington Dulles is hardly a labor, but when you have a good Wi-Fi connection, it feels like time moves even faster.
Founder and Editor, Runway Girl Network
With more than 700 aircraft already flying with Eutelsat OneWeb LEO connectivity, airlines can use high-performance inflight connectivity to strengthen passenger satisfaction and support increasingly connected operations. (Eutelsat aviation insight)
Disclaimer: This case study is based on publicly available information, including the independent review, and reflects the reviewer's experience on the flights tested. Performance may vary depending on route, aircraft, network conditions and device used.