Bell is teaming up with Air Canada to offer free messaging for all Aeroplan members worldwide on Wi-Fi-equipped airplanes. The telecommunications giant will sponsor inflight Wi-Fi services across the airline’s fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express planes, starting May 15.

The service will also be available to strategic partner airline loyalty members, including customers of United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Group Miles & More and Emirates Skywards, when their account numbers are associated with an Air Canada booking.

Service will include:

• In-flight text-based messaging: Aeroplan members will be able to send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using apps including Apple’s iMessage, Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger, Rakuten’s Viber, and Messages by Google.

• Live TV: The partnership will build upon Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment offering with the expansion of Live TV service on flights to the US, expected later this summer.

• Complimentary SIM cards: On select inbound international flights, Air Canada will offer customers complimentary mobile SIM cards they can activate while still in the air and allowing them to be connected when they walk off an airplane.

“For those new to Canada or visiting, we recognize how important it is to stay connected with family and friends, and the new opportunities being connected can bring,” said Bell exec Claire Gillies.

The companies said the deal will mean additional benefits for Aeroplan customers, including new promotional rewards and expanding Air Canada’s Live TV service on flights to the US, starting later this summer.

“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,” said Air Canada executive vice-president and president of Aeroplan Mark Nasr in a news release. “This multi-faceted partnership with Bell will allow Air Canada customers to keep in touch with friends, family, or colleagues wherever they travel.”