The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Air Canada's Aeroplan points program is partnering with BCE to offer a suite of perks for travellers in a bid to strengthen the program's offerings amid a turbulent period in Canada's loyalty-points landscape. The Globe's Salmaan Farooqui writes that the new partnership will give Aeroplan members access to inflight Internet messaging on platforms including Apple's iMessage and Facebook Messenger, will expand Bell TV access to flights in the United States, and offer free Bell SIM cards for international arrivals on select flights. Air Canada also said it is finalizing details on how Aeroplan members can redeem points on purchases with Bell. The deal with BCE comes as Air Canada looks to shore up customers in the competitive loyalty-program marketplace after the near collapse of a major rival and as it moves to make the airline a more attractive option for international travellers. Patrick Sojka at Rewardscanada said Aeroplan and Scene+ currently offer the best value in reward-points options, and are competing for Canadian consumers in the wake of Air Miles' troubles. Mr. Sojka said Aeroplan's latest move gives it an edge in attracting frequent travellers.