Air Canada is bringing high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi to its regional fleet, starting with the De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop. The first Q400 has already been fitted with the satellite-powered service, marking the first time any De Havilland Canada aircraft worldwide has offered gate-to-gate internet access.
The upgrade is part of a $10 million cabin modernization program covering 25 Dash 8-400s operated by Jazz Aviation for Air Canada Express. Alongside Starlink connectivity, the project will install new Expliseat ultra-lightweight seats, refreshed cabin interiors, and modern finishes designed to boost passenger comfort, improve baggage payload, and reduce emissions.
Initially, Starlink Wi-Fi will be available this October on select flights out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to Montreal and Ottawa — two of the busiest business travel corridors in the country. Aeroplan loyalty members will enjoy free access, while other passengers are expected to have options to connect as the rollout expands.
“Air Canada Express is at the heart of how we serve Canadian communities. It brings people together, whether connecting families across the country, or linking businesses to the world through our global network,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.
“This innovative project is an industry-first, and it reflects the pride we take in serving customers with care and class. By bringing many of the design details and comforts of our largest jets to the Canadian-made Dash 8-400, even our shortest flights can feel special.”
Air Canada’s move follows closely on the heels of Air France, which last week became Europe’s first major airline to launch free, Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across its fleet. SpaceX’s satellite internet service is steadily becoming the new standard in aviation connectivity, with Alaska Airlines set to begin offering free Starlink internet in 2026. Meanwhile, SpaceX is reportedly in advanced talks with British Airways, Saudi Arabia’s flagship airline, and even Emirates to bring its high-speed solution to more carriers around the world.
For Air Canada, Starlink is just one part of a broader push to modernize regional travel and bring many of the comforts of larger jets to shorter flights. By becoming the launch customer for Starlink on the Dash 8-400, the airline is also helping De Havilland Canada market the system as either a factory option for new builds or a retrofit for existing aircraft through its OEM Refurbishment Program.
“The addition of Starlink on the Dash 8-400 demonstrates our commitment to continued investment in our products and to providing cutting-edge solutions for our customers,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada.
“With this technology, passengers can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access for streaming, browsing and other real-time online applications – bringing the regional flying experience in line with today’s traveller expectations.”
Air Canada’s refurbished Dash 8-400s will continue to roll out through 2026, gradually phasing in new interiors and connectivity across the fleet. For passengers, that means regional hops out of Toronto are about to feel a lot more like long-haul travel — at least when it comes to staying connected from gate to gate.
