MONTREAL WestJet, a prominent Canadian airline, has initiated an on-board Wi-Fi service that utilizes Starlink, the satellite internet technology developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX. This development marks a significant step for the airline as it enhances passenger connectivity during flights.
According to a statement from WestJet, the airline has rolled out free Wi-Fi on 16 out of its nearly 140 aircraft after obtaining necessary federal certifications. This move is part of a broader strategy to provide higher-speed internet connectivity, which is becoming increasingly crucial for travelers seeking to stay connected while airborne.
Josh Yeats, a spokesperson for WestJet, indicated that the airline plans to complete hardware installations on its narrow-body fleet by the end of 2025 and extend the services to its wide-body aircraft by 2027. This ambitious timeline highlights WestJet's commitment to modernizing its services and enhancing passenger experience.
However, the partnership with Starlink is not without controversy. Elon Musk's close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside his recent support for far-right groups, have led to some public backlash against WestJet's decision to adopt this technology. The airline must navigate this unease while promoting its new service as an enhancement in air travel.
WestJet is not alone in its adoption of Starlink. Other major carriers like United Airlines and Air France have also partnered with the satellite internet provider. Additionally, more than half of Canada's provincial and territorial governments rely on Starlink for critical internet and emergency communication services. Despite this reliance, there is growing discomfort in various communities across Canada regarding Musk's associations and the implications they may have for service providers and their customers.
The decision to utilize Starlink was formalized in a multi-year agreement involving WestJet, Telus, and Starlink, which was announced in July after a competitive bidding process initiated in 2023. This partnership reflects a trend in the airline industry towards improving digital capabilities, ensuring that travelers have access to faster and more reliable internet services during their flights.
As WestJet embarks on this new chapter of in-flight connectivity, it faces the dual challenge of meeting passenger demands for high-speed internet while addressing the potential reputational risks linked to Musk and his enterprises. The airline has articulated that enhancing passenger experience is a top priority, which makes the deployment of Starlink's service a crucial aspect of their operational strategy.
The new service was first activated earlier in March 2025, demonstrating WestJet's efforts to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. With customers becoming more dependent on internet access during travel, the ability to offer such services is not only beneficial for customer satisfaction but also a vital component of the airline's long-term growth and modernization initiatives.
