Air Canada has announced new product improvements, with "something for everyone," including upgraded Economy dining, more in-flight entertainment and connectivity options, and enriched Premium offerings beginning in NOV.
Highlights of the carrier's product improvements include:
- Upgraded International Economy Class meals including Chef Jérôme Ferrer created entrees, plus new Air Canada Bistro choices
- Complimentary Wi-Fi for all Premium Rouge customers
- 25 per cent increase in onboard entertainment content, including Live TV
- New Acqua di Parma amenity kits and, in Vancouver, Porsche-powered Air Canada Chauffeur Service for Air Canada Signature Class
"Air Canada is committed to elevating the customer experience and offering the kind of world-class services Canadians can be proud of from their flag carrier. Accordingly, we are investing in all aspects of the journey to make travel even better for customers, including in our Economy and Premium cabins. Today's announcements go beyond emerging from the pandemic; we're proud to introduce many new services and options not available today in Canada," said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing and eCommerce at Air Canada.
Onboard
Starting 01NOV, Air Canada becomes the first Canadian airline to begin offering complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi onboard. Customers flying in Premium Rouge will enjoy this benefit, giving them the ability to stream their own entertainment, TV shows and movies, listen to their own music or simply remain connected, replacing the previous tablets offered with pre-loaded in-flight entertainment choices. All Rouge customers can continue to access a large selection of complimentary movies and TV shows through the 'Entertainment on Demand' section of the onboard portal.
Beginning 2023, Air Canada will expand its onboard entertainment content by more than 25 per cent, and the airline will introduce new options including Live TV to enable customers to watch sports events and news live. Details for Live TV, as well as additional new features such as Bluetooth audio connectivity and an outside camera feature, will be unveiled soon.
International Economy Class Dining
Starting 01NOV, Economy Class dining on all international flights departing Canada is being revamped to feature a hot entree created for Air Canada by renowned Montreal Chef Jérôme Ferrer, a member of Air Canada's culinary panel. An additional appetizer reflecting destination cuisine is also being presented with all meals, and a separate dessert service will follow.
To offer a broader range of fresh and healthy dining choices for Economy Class on North America and Sun destination flights, also starting 01NOV, the Air Canada Bistro menu will be refreshed and expanded to include a brioche bagel smoked salmon sandwich, vegan options such as Farro Salad or Spiced chickpea wrap, Canadian snacks such as Good To Go Blondies and Nomz energy bites, in addition to all-time favourite choices such as Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and Air Canada's popular Fruit & Cheese board.
Air Canada is fully restoring its premium cabin services both pre-departure and in-flight as of 01NOV, with the return of offers to hang coats and jackets, presentation of pre-departure beverages on international flights and hot towels prior to meal services.
Air Canada will be introducing new amenity kits to premium cabin customers later in NOV. The new line of amenity kits and totes have been purposefully designed to significantly minimize single-use plastics including the elimination of plastic wrap.
Air Canada Signature Class customers on all international flights will be presented with amenity kits in partnership with Acqua di Parma featuring stylish amenity bags containing Acqua di Parma luxury skincare products plus an oversized eye mask, socks, dental products and 3M earplugs for additional comfort and personal care.
Customers in International Premium Economy and North America Signature Class overnight flights will enjoy reusable amenity totes containing an eye mask, socks and dental products providing for a more refreshed journey.
Airport Lounges
- Many Maple Leaf Lounges in North America now feature elevated food and beverage offerings. Air Canada celebrates Canadian wines and also works with local wine producers and importers to offer a selection that appeals to a wide, global audience, and varietal selections in each Lounge will be expanded to six wines plus a bubbly and rose (seasonally).At all hub airports, Air Canada has resumed its full buffet service, with an increased range of salads and the addition of international delectable dishes such as stir-fry and curries in a contemporary presentation. Montreal Maple Leaf Lounges also feature local legendary classics, including Montreal Fairmount Bagels, Montreal's famous smoked meat sandwiches, and poutine.
New priority access lanes have been added to select Maple Leaf Lounges during peak times to offer Super Elite and Business Class customers priority entry.
- The Air Canada Café at Toronto Pearson now offers a selection of Ontario craft beers, ciders, wine and hot appetizers such as empanadas, arancini and sliders, in addition to the current range of grab-and-go artisanal sandwiches, salads, cold-pressed fresh juices and specialty coffees. The Air Canada Café is located in the domestic terminal at Toronto Pearson and is available to eligible customers.
- Starting in NOV, Air Canada Porsche Chauffeur Service will be introduced at YVR. Eligible connecting International Air Canada Signature Class customers arriving from within Canada will be met by a Concierge before being whisked away on the tarmac in a plug-in hybrid or fully electric Porsche vehicle to the distinctive Air Canada Signature Suite.
