It was worth lining up to get a good look at AC's new 787
E.V.P. & C.O.O. Ben Smith shows off the Premium Economy Cabin
787 Flight Attendant Mario demonstrates the electrochromatic electronic window dimming system (I didn't make that up... that's what they call it)
Air Canada invited the travel and media universe to their hangar at YYZ last week to give us the chance to get up close and personal with their big new bird. And, we all flocked out there and oooo’d and aaaah’d over her.
What is not to love about a magic flying machine that can take us to wonderful places? With that question in mind, the 787 intro also coincided with the launch of Air Canada’s new consumer media campaign with its dreamy look and inspiring messages about exploring and experiencing far off places... with the tag line: Your World Awaits. I love it... I want to go everywhere.
I would really like to go everywhere in the Business Class cabin of AC’s 787 – it could take me places in comfort. Those well crafted pods with their comfy lie flat seats have lots of leg room and an 18” TV screen. There are plenty of pull out this and that and stash away thingy’s so your private space wouldn’t get all cluttered with your travel paraphernalia. You can even command your drink and food orders on your big screen and you can chit chat with your travel companions electronically... since they will be stashed away out of sight in their own little world, but still connected to yours.
I could make do in Premium Economy – those seats are nice and roomy with lots of leg room – and there you can even chew the ear of your seatmates directly.
But, if I am tripping off to Tokyo or Tel Aviv in the near future, I will almost certainly be seated in economy. On AC’s new 787, that’s nothing to sneeze about. People are probably sick of me saying that we’re all spoiled by Air Canada’s spacious and comfy planes, but I’m saying it again anyway. The 787 has the new style slimline type seats, but they do have good legroom and reasonable width. You know how when you sit on some of those older seats that have been sat on so many times that they’re hard and flat? That won’t happen to these seats. The new foam fabric used on these 787s is crush resistant and can stand the test of many heavy bottoms over time.
Another thing I’m going to enjoy is that 5 roll on bags will fit into each of this baby’s overhead luggage compartments. They are huge... and, these days, they need to be. You won’t have to deal with everybody and their brother scrambling over and around everyone else to find a place in a little bin for all of their worldy possessions.
The windows are very cool too. They’re much bigger – 30% larger – allowing even those in the middle of the plane (hope that’s not me) to see across and out. And, they don’t have those clunky draw down shades either. They just have nifty little buttons to adjust the amount of light they allow in - almost none for sleepy or movie time and lots for takeoff, landing and scenic views.
This new Dreamliner is sporting Air Canada’s brand new interior design with its palette of slate grey with accents of what they call “Canadian red and celeste blue”. Whatever they call it, it is very attractive, fresh and modern looking.
Oh... and the most important thing, every economy seat has headrests that can be adjusted so your head doesn’t flop and nod off in all directions or onto your neighbour. I’ll really appreciate that – as will my seatmates.
The 787 is also supposed to be a lot quieter inflight. I’m looking forward to reporting back on that aspect. On the other hand, if any of those nice folks at Air Canada read this article, I might not even be offered a seat inside. No matter... I can deal with that!
