WestJet launches Wi-Fi service powered by Elon Musk's Starlink

WestJet has launched an on-board Wi-Fi service powered by Starlink, the satellite internet technology made by Elon Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, sparking a limited backlash from Canadians. In an email, the airline confirmed it activated the service earlier this month and now offers free Wi-Fi on 16 of its nearly 140 planes after receiving federal certification. Spokesman Josh Yeats said WestJet plans to complete hardware installations on its narrow-body fleet by the end of this year and on its wide-body aircraft before 2027. The higher-speed connectivity comes alongside growing controversy around Musk, thanks to his close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump as well as recent expressions of support for far-right groups. Amid a surge in Canadian patriotism following threats to the country’s economy and sovereignty from the White House, some have called out WestJet and demanded it roll back its Wi-Fi plans. “Sorry, @WestJet, I don’t want to fly in a plane that’s wrapped in the loving arms of Starlink,” said novelist Jeffrey Luscombe in a post Monday on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter -- currently owned by Musk. However, others said they were “thrilled” about the faster internet speeds or pointed to the apparent contradiction of using a Musk-owned service to criticize WestJet for using another Musk-owned service.<br/>