Wednesday, July 24, 2024
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Today, WestJet in collaboration with TELUS, introduced the initial phase of a long-term strategic alliance designed to enhance the inflight experience for passengers. This partnership will offer WestJet travelers top-tier, complimentary internet access powered by TELUS and provided by Starlink across WestJet flights. This launch signifies the start of an extensive collaboration between WestJet and TELUS, heralding a major advancement in the airline’s onboard connectivity offerings.
“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.
Over the next few months, WestJet and TELUS plan to unveil a series of unique advantages and exclusive offers for members of WestJet Rewards and customers of TELUS.
“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 is set to become the premier and first Boeing 737 commercial airline in North America to provide inflight connectivity, utilizing Starlink’s top-of-the-line technology platform, featuring the world’s most extensive satellite constellation. Chosen for its superior inflight technology, Starlink enables WestJet to offer sufficient bandwidth and the lowest latency internet, allowing every passenger to stream videos or play online games directly from their devices with the same ease 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.
This innovative platform is scheduled to launch before the close of 2024, with the goal of outfitting WestJet’s contemporary narrowbody fleet by the end of 2025. The upgrade of all wide-body aircraft is expected to be completed by the conclusion of 2026.
Thanks to TELUS, WestJet Rewards members will enjoy complimentary access to this new inflight system. Travelers can sign up to become WestJet Rewards members at their convenience by registering for an account online before their flight operated by WestJet.