Air Canada Enhances Regional Flight Experience with Redesigned Q400 Aircraft Amenities
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Air Canada has announced a significant upgrade program for its regional fleet, introducing free high-speed Wi-Fi, new ergonomic seats, and a completely redesigned cabin interior for its Dash 8-400 aircraft. These enhancements aim to provide passengers with increased comfort and convenience on regional routes across Canada.
The comprehensive upgrade program, announced on September 17, 2025, will be rolled out in phases throughout 2026, affecting 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation for Air Canada Express.
Free Wi-Fi: An Industry First for Q400 Aircraft
Starting in October 2025, Air Canada will become the first airline to offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on flights departing from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to Montreal and Ottawa for Aeroplan members. This industry-leading service, sponsored by Bell, will provide passengers with superior internet connectivity from departure to arrival, allowing them to remain productive without interruption while traveling between these key business corridors.
This marks a world first for Wi-Fi service aboard De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. The launch of free high-speed Wi-Fi complements other premium services now available to Air Canada customers departing from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, including frequent departures, complimentary quality snacks, beer and wine, and exclusive access to the Air Canada Café | Aspire for eligible customers.
Air Canada Express is at the heart of the services we offer to Canadian communities. (…) It connects people, whether bringing families together across the country or connecting businesses with the rest of the world, thanks to our vast global network. This innovative project is an industry first and reflects the pride we take in serving our customers with care and class. By bringing the design details and comfort elements of our larger jets to the Canadian-built Dash 8-400, even our shortest flights become memorable experiences.
– Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Air Canada
New Ergonomic Seats
All 25 Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 aircraft operated by Jazz will be equipped with Expliseat’s new generation of ergonomic, plush seats. The seat covers will feature new branding and styling. All seats will include a multi-purpose device holder for electronic devices and cell phones, as well as a fold-down tray table on the seatback.
Installation of the new seats is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Each aircraft will maintain its 78-seat configuration, with the same seat pitch as before.
Redesigned Cabin Interior
The cabins of these same 25 Dash 8-400 aircraft will be upgraded to a new standard reflecting the cabin design of Air Canada’s mainline aircraft. The new design incorporates colors, textures, and tones inspired by Canadian nature, reinforcing Air Canada’s pride in its role as the national carrier.
The refined interior features new tones and sophisticated textures that evoke Canada and its diverse regions, creating a more premium and cohesive brand experience across Air Canada’s fleet.
Phased Implementation
Air Canada will implement these upgrades in phases throughout 2026 for the Jazz-operated fleet of Canadian-built Dash 8-400 aircraft. While the Wi-Fi installation will begin with aircraft serving Toronto Billy Bishop Airport in October 2025, the timeline for Wi-Fi installation across the rest of the Dash 8-400 fleet remains to be determined.
The airline has already equipped approximately 97% of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge mainline aircraft with next-generation connectivity systems for Bell-sponsored Wi-Fi and plans to complete the transformation process on the remaining aircraft in 2026.
Partnership with Jazz Aviation
Here is the Air Canada Q400 network in partnership with Jazz Aviation, according to Flight Connections.
We are proud to team up with Air Canada for these exciting upgrades to our Dash 8-400 fleet. (…) This investment in cutting-edge seats, contemporary interior design, and industry-leading Wi-Fi connectivity reflects our shared commitment to safety, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service.
– Doug Clarke, President of Jazz
Elevating the Regional Flying Experience
These enhancements represent a significant investment in Air Canada’s regional fleet, bringing many of the comforts and conveniences typically associated with larger aircraft to the regional flying experience. By introducing free Wi-Fi, new ergonomic seats, and a redesigned cabin interior, Air Canada aims to provide a more consistent and premium experience across its entire network, regardless of aircraft type or flight duration.
For business travelers in particular, the addition of free high-speed Wi-Fi on routes between Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport and Montreal or Ottawa—two of the country’s busiest business travel corridors—represents a significant enhancement that will allow for greater productivity during these short flights.
Bottom Line
Air Canada’s comprehensive upgrade program for its Dash 8-400 fleet demonstrates the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience across all segments of its network. By bringing mainline-quality amenities to its regional fleet, Air Canada is setting a new standard for regional air travel in North America.
With the introduction of free high-speed Wi-Fi—an industry first for this aircraft type—along with new ergonomic seats and a redesigned cabin interior, passengers on Air Canada Express flights can look forward to a more comfortable, connected, and premium travel experience in the coming year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the free Wi-Fi service be available on flights from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport?
The free high-speed Wi-Fi service, sponsored by Bell, will be available starting in October 2025 on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz Aviation between Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) and Montreal or Ottawa. This will be the first implementation of Wi-Fi on Dash 8-400 aircraft in the world.
Will all Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 aircraft receive Wi-Fi capability?
While Air Canada has confirmed that aircraft operating from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport will receive Wi-Fi capability beginning in October 2025, the timeline for Wi-Fi installation across the rest of the Dash 8-400 fleet remains to be determined. The airline has already equipped approximately 97% of its mainline Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft with next-generation connectivity systems and plans to complete the process for remaining aircraft in 2026.
When will the new seats be installed on the Dash 8-400 aircraft?
Air Canada plans to complete the installation of new Expliseat ergonomic seats across all 25 Dash 8-400 aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation by mid-2026. The rollout will be phased throughout 2026, though specific timelines for individual aircraft have not been announced.
Will the seat configuration or legroom change with the new seats?
No, the seat configuration will remain the same with 78 seats per aircraft. Air Canada has confirmed that the seat pitch (legroom) will also remain unchanged. The enhancements focus on seat comfort, design, and functionality rather than changing the cabin layout.
What other amenities are available on Air Canada Express flights from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport?
In addition to the upcoming free Wi-Fi service, Air Canada Express flights departing from Toronto Billy Bishop Airport offer several premium amenities, including complimentary quality snacks, free beer and wine service, frequent departures, and exclusive access to the Air Canada Café | Aspire lounge for eligible customers (such as those with Altitude status or business class tickets).
