From new seats to free Wi-Fi: Air Canada to update Q-400 aircraft

Air Canada's regional fleet of 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400s will undergo a full cabin redesign, the airline announced Wednesday (Sept. 17). 

The planes, operated for Air Canada Express by Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), will see new seating and interiors and, on select aircraft initially, flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), free onboard Wi-Fi – an industry first for this aircraft type.

“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. This innovative project is an industry-first, and it reflects the pride we take in serving customers with care and class," said Mark Nasr, executive vice president & COO at Air Canada, in a press release.

What to expect 

Air Canada’s refurbishment of the Canadian made, Jazz Dash 8-400 fleet will occur in phases through 2026.

Inflight Wi-Fi

Beginning in October, Air Canada will be the first airline to offer free Wi-Fi to Billy Bishop travellers flying to Montreal or Ottawa.

It marks the first time Wi-Fi has been made available on a De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft type anywhere in the world.

This adds to amenities Air Canada customers flying from Billy Bishop already enjoy, including complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine, and exclusive access for eligible customers to the Aspire Air Canada Café.

(The café is available to Air Canada customers with Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Super Elite Status, Star Alliance Gold status, or anyone with an Aeroplan premium co-branded credit card).

The installation of Wi-Fi on the balance of the Dash 8-400 fleet is being determined.

The airline has already fitted 97 per cent of its mainline Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft with next-generation connectivity systems for Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.

It is tracking to complete this fleet-wide transformation in 2026.

New seating

Twenty-five Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 operated by Jazz will be equipped with next generation, well-padded, ergonomic seats from Expliseat.

The seats will feature new branding and design language expressed through the seat’s dress cover, says Air Canada.

All seats will include a seatback multi-use device holder for tablets and phones, as well as a table tray.

The installation of the new seating has an expected completion date for the program in mid-2026. Each aircraft will have 78 seats, and pitch will be unchanged.

Interior redesign

The cabins of these same 25 Dash 8-400s will be upgraded to a new standard reflective of Air Canada’s mainline aircraft interiors.

The design incorporates colours, textures and tones of those found in nature in Canada.

"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,” added Nasr.  

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