Air Canada and Intelsat will equip around 100 additional jets across Air Canada’s fleet with Intelsat’s connectivity systems and deploy Intelsat’s new multi-orbit ESA antenna for the fleet.
Air Canada and Intelsat, a global satellite and in-flight connectivity (IFC) provider, have announced an agreement to equip nearly 100 additional aircraft across Air Canada’s fleet with Intelsat’s connectivity systems. This includes the deployment of Intelsat’s new multi-orbit electronically steered array (ESA) antenna for the airline’s regional jet fleet. Air Canada, in collaboration with Intelsat, aims to offer its customers the fastest and most consistently available Internet connectivity throughout its global network. The airline currently operates more Wi-Fi equipped flights than any other carrier in Canada.
“The efforts and the commitment of Intelsat’s team and their service partners made the difference for us. We’re confident Intelsat provides proven technology, an extensible platform and network, and the right vision for the future of in-flight connectivity,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Air Canada Marketing and Digital, and President, Aeroplan. “Through our Bell partnership, equipment installation schedule, and strong conviction around the importance of in-flight connectivity, we seek to offer our customers the best and most consistently available offering in the industry,” he further added.
Currently, Intelsat operates in-flight internet on 240 aircraft spanning Air Canada, Rouge, and Air Canada Express. The new program includes IFC installations on three types of Air Canada aircraft:
1. Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Air Canada’s fleet of 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be equipped with Intelsat’s 2Ku IFC system, with installation starting in the current year.
2. Embraer 175 and Mitsubishi CRJ-900 aircraft: These 55 aircraft, currently flown by Air Canada’s regional partner Jazz, are installed with Intelsat’s air-to-ground system. They will be upgraded with Intelsat’s new ESA antenna beginning in 2024.
3. Regional Jet Fleet: Air Canada’s regional jet fleet, operated by Jazz, will be equipped with the new ESA antenna for improved in-flight connectivity.
“Intelsat has been delivering reliable in-flight connectivity to Air Canada and its passengers for 14 years,” said Dave Bijur, Senior Vice President Commercial for Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “Air Canada’s leadership will continue for decades to come thanks to this investment in 2Ku connectivity for the 737 MAX fleet and the decision to install Intelsat’s innovative multi-orbit service across their regional jet operation,” he further added.
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Intelsat’s 2Ku solution is considered an industry leader due to its low-profile, fuselage-mounted antenna and reliable in-flight performance. The new ESA antenna, which is less than three inches tall, will operate on both Intelsat’s geo-stationary satellites and OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, ensuring high-quality in-flight internet connectivity for Air Canada passengers, regardless of their flight’s location.
