Air Canada and Bell have announced a long-term partnership aimed at improving connectivity for customers on the ground and in the air.

The collaboration builds upon the companies' shared goal of enhancing the customer experience, focusing on providing added benefits for newcomers and visitors to Canada. The partnership aims to prepare them to connect to Canada's superior network immediately upon arrival.

Air Canada to provide free In-Flight Messaging

Beginning May 15th, Air Canada and Bell will be teaming up to provide Aeroplan members with free messaging services on all Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft in the Air Canada fleet, including those of Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge.

Passengers can use the onboard Wi-Fi to send and receive SMS-based messages on popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger, iMessage, Viber, and Messages by Google. Furthermore, this benefit will extend to loyalty members of partner airlines such as United MileagePlus, Emirates Skywards, and Lufthansa Group Miles & More, provided their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada reservation.

This new partnership aligns with both companies commitment to improving the customer experience and providing added benefits for travelers.

As part of the new partnership, Air Canada and Bell will also provide easy and immediate connectivity for newcomers and visitors to Canada through complimentary mobile SIM cards on select inbound international flights. This allows them to activate the SIM cards in flight and be connected as soon as they land in Canada.

In addition to this, the partnership aims to deliver more collaboration and benefits to its customers. These include creating and providing Aeroplan promotional rewards and expanding the Live TV service on flights to the U.S., set to launch later this summer, further enhancing Air Canada's award-winning in-flight entertainment offering.

Air Canada and Bell Executive Insights

"Canadians are at the centre of this exciting new partnership. We're so proud to join with an iconic brand to deliver real value to customers across the country, and, importantly, to those new to our country. This multi-faceted partnership with Bell will allow Air Canada customers to keep in touch with friends, family, or colleagues wherever they travel. What's more, we're elated that Bell will be joining as the latest Aeroplan partner, creating another way for members to travel more, and travel better," said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, and President of Aeroplan at Air Canada.

"We're excited to partner with Air Canada, and innovate on delivering enhanced experiences for our customers. For those new to Canada or visiting, we recognize how important it is to stay connected with family and friends, and the new opportunities being connected can bring. Many are already familiar with Bell and know we offer the best network, and we're thrilled to be making it even easier for them to connect when they arrive in Canada," said Claire Gillies, Executive Vice President, Marketing and President Consumer at Bell.