In its latest push to improve its customers' travel experience, Air Canada has announced a partnership with communications company Bell to boost in-flight connectivity.

Texts from the air

From May 15, the Canadian flag carrier is set to offer a free messaging service for members of its Aeroplan rewards program, available on all services operated by Air Canada's WiFi-enabled fleet. The exclusive feature will allow reward members to send and receive text messages through iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Google Messages.

Bell will also provide tourists to Canada with complementary SIM cards on select services; utilizing Air Canada's new messaging system, customers will be able to activate their plan while in the air, ready for full connectivity to Bell's mobile network upon landing.

Traveling on a codeshare or interline flight and frustrated about missing out? Air Canada is extending the offering to passengers with loyalty programs for some of the carrier's Star Alliance and other strategic partners, such as United Airlines' MileagePlus, Lufthansa's Miles & More, and Emirates' Skywards.

The partnership is set to strengthen Air Canada & Bell's collaborative efforts to improve the customer experience, aiding in developing further rewards initiatives and expanding the carrier's live TV services on flights into the United States later this year.

"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," noted Mark Nasr, Air Canada's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Digital.

"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."

Better for fliers

With Canada's aviation market growing steadily more competitive, Air Canada appears to be looking to develop a niche providing a more comfortable and reliable travel experience, setting itself apart from budget rivals.

Get all the latest aviation news for North America here.

As part of its efforts to improve brand loyalty, the airline has launched several new initiatives to keep its frequent fliers in its seats. Earlier this week, Air Canada unveiled an expanded partnership with Uber Eats, allowing Aeroplan members to earn more points when ordering takeaways or groceries and using Uber Premium's ride-share service. Loyalty members can alternately redeem their points for Uber rides, converting 3,000 points into a C$25 ($18) voucher within their Uber wallets.

In Fall 2023, the carrier is set to launch another collaboration with Canadian fuel giant Parkland Corporation, giving its Aeroplan members a chance to earn points when buying fuel or just stopping to pick up a drink at any of Parkland's convenience chains, including Chevron, Pioneer, Fas Gas, ON the RUN, and Marché Express. Further discounts, merchandise, and offers will be available to Aeroplan and JOURNIE rewards members, allowing for more opportunities to build up flight points while on the ground.

What are your thoughts on Air Canada and Bell's new partnership? Will you be flying with the carrier this summer? Let us know in the comments.

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  Air Canada

  Loyalty Program:

  Aeroplan