WestJet recently introduced free Wi-Fi service on its planes powered by Elon Musk’s Starlink, and Canadians have mixed thoughts about the internet provider amid a trade war with the U.S.
The Canadian airline had first announced the service last July, saying that it would be available on-board starting in December, followed by other benefits and perks would come in the upcoming months.
“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,” WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill said in a statement.
Since then, WestJet has not released any other announcements about the partnership, until it confirmed to Now Toronto on Thursday that the service is in effect.
WestJet spokesperson Josh Yeats said that the physical hardware installation of the service “is well underway,” and that the service has already been available in 16 of the airline’s aircrafts since earlier this month, with plans for expansion by the end of the year, in an email statement.
“We currently offer free inflight Wi-Fi on 16 of our aircraft with plans to complete all installations and upgrades on our narrowbody fleet by the end of 2025, and on our wide-body aircraft by the end of 2026,” he said.
According to Yeats, Starlink was selected for the partnership given the quality of its services that could provide the best user experience for customers.
“We know our guests value inflight connectivity, and after completing a competitive bid process that began in 2023 to offer a superior onboard experience, WestJet entered a multi-year agreement in July 2024 to equip our aircraft with free, fast and reliable satellite Wi-Fi technology,” he said.
MIXED REACTIONS FROM CANADIANS
But Canadians online don’t seem to be impressed with the partnership, regardless of the promised quality of Starlink’s internet.
Starlink’s CEO Elon Musk has been facing some backlash given his involvement with the American government amid a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada.
Since January, when the U.S. President Donald Trump took office, he imposed several tariffs on Canadian goods, launching a trade war. In response, Canada has been implementing retaliatory tariffs and boycotting American services.
Last month, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the province had cancelled its $100-million deal with Starlink that aimed to bring internet service to remote areas, as part of its response to the U.S. tariffs.
“Ontario won’t do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy,” Ford wrote on X at the time.
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Given this political context, many Canadians were not happy with the partnership and are calling on WestJet to cut ties with Starlink.
“Westjet and @telussupport.bsky.social need to cancel this contract with Starlink. It’s anti-Canadian to continue the partnership,” a user wrote on BlueSky.
“Westjet must cancel Starlink or face a drop in Canadians using their airline. #ElbowsUpCanada 🇨🇦,” a different user also chimed in on X.
Many users are also pushing for a boycott of the Canadian airline until they decide to cancel the service.
“And if they don’t, #BoycottWestjet! Nothing speaks louder than money that doesn’t flow into their coffers! #PeoplePower,” another BlueSky user said.
“@WestJet ….. bad move promoting Elon Musk and Starlink. I will not be flying with WestJet any time soon,” a different user commented.
On the other hand, some customers online also seem to be looking forward to having access to quality internet on-board.
“I use WestJet about 4 to 6 times a yea. A regular flier, but maybe not considered a frequent flier, and I would love to have Starlink on all flights. Reliable internet has been an issue for many airlines,” a user said on X.
“@WestJet thanks for the sweet high speed starlink connection, it’s way better than your old crappy internet,” another user added.
