New inflight entertainment system features Internet
connectivity
CALGARY,
July 28, 2015 /CNW/ - WestJet today
announced it has begun rolling out its new inflight entertainment
system featuring wireless Internet connectivity and more than 450
movies and television programs. Called WestJet Connect, the system
will be activated on all of WestJet's Boeing 767ER aircraft and
more than 30 per cent of WestJet's Boeing Next-Generation 737
aircraft by end of 2015, with installations on the majority of the
737 fleet expected to be completed in 2016.
"The launch of WestJet Connect is an important next
step in the evolution of our guest experience," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President,
Commercial. "Business travellers will appreciate Internet
connectivity with global reach that's not limited to terrestrial
towers over land; they have the opportunity to be constantly in
contact anywhere in WestJet's world. WestJet Connect is also a
great solution for our leisure travellers. Personal electronic
devices have become universal and our guests now have access to
hundreds of movies and TV shows right to their own device, which
will make travelling with the whole family a breeze. Also, our
live television channels will enable business and leisure
travellers to stay in touch with real-time business and other
news."
Mobile devices and tablets using either iOS or
Android operating systems will need the latest version of the
WestJet app prior to boarding. Guests will also be able to access
WestJet Connect using their laptops. Tablet rentals will be
available on flights longer than three hours and 20 minutes for
guests who do not have their own device. The WestJet app will take
guests to the WestJet Connect home page where they can begin
accessing content. Seats on WestJet Connect-equipped aircraft have
110-volt and/or USB power outlets, allowing guests the opportunity
to charge or power their devices.
At launch, WestJet Connect will feature 85 movies
and 329 TV programs, including expanded content in French. Content
will be refreshed on a monthly basis and will be offered at no
charge for an introductory period. The system's Internet
connectivity will be available at an introductory price of
$7.99 plus applicable taxes for the
duration of each flight.
"WestJet Connect will continue to evolve in the
months and years ahead," said Marshall
Wilmot, WestJet Senior Vice-President, Marketing and
Digital. "We look forward to adding more movies and live satellite
TV channels, as well as a three-dimensional moving map, games,
books and electronic magazines including, of course, WestJet
Magazine."
Once installation is complete, WestJet Connect will
be available on all WestJet flights operated on Boeing
Next-Generation 737s or 767ER aircraft. For more information on
WestJet Connect, please visit westjet.com.
About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's
most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care
and recognized as one of the country's top employers. We offer
scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet
Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every
major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120
destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet's
extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience,
WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences
with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of
our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights,
vacation packages and more. Our members use WestJet dollars towards
the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day,
at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout
periods ΜΆ even on seat sales. For more information
about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon
Hewitt)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most
Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine and
RewardsCanada.ca)
2014/2013/2012/2011 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package
supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)
Connect with WestJet on Facebook at
facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet
Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com
SOURCE WestJet