Air Canada has announced a number of product enhancements across its cabins, including revamped dining options, new amenity kits, and Porsche transfers for business class customers connecting at Vancouver airport.
From November 1 economy passengers on international flights will be offered a new menu including a hot entrée created by Montreal chef Jérôme Ferrer, an appetiser “reflecting destination cuisine”, and a separate dessert service.
From the same date those travelling on North American routes will benefit from a refreshed and expanded Bistro menu, with choices including a brioche bagel smoked salmon sandwich, and vegan options including Farro salad or spiced chickpea wrap.
Meanwhile passengers in Air Canada’s Premium Rouge premium economy cabin will get free wifi from November 1, in a move which the carrier says is a first for a Canadian airline – and from 2023 Air Canada will increase its IFE content by over 25 per cent, including the introduction of live TV.
Signature (business) class customers on international flights will be offered new Acqua di Parma amenity bags from next month, and there will be a return to normal pre-departure and inflight services for premium passengers, including the hanging of coats and jackets, and the serving of pre-departure beverages and hot towels prior to meal services.
Finally from next month Signature class customers on eligible services connecting through Vancouver International airport will be transferred between flights by a plug-in hybrid or fully electric Porsche vehicle.
This move follows United Airlines’ new partnership with luxury car brand Jaguar, enabling MileagePlus Premier members with tight connections to benefit from gate-to-gate transfers.
Commenting on the news Mark Nasr, senior vice president, products, marketing and ecommerce at Air Canada, said:
“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.
“Among the improvements customers will see starting in November are new dining services in International Economy Class featuring the addition of regional appetizers and an entree created by acclaimed Montreal Chef Jérôme Ferrer on flights departing Canada and fresh Air Canada Bistro options on North American flights.
“Premium cabin customers will also find new amenities, such as Acqua di Parma amenity kits and complimentary wifi in Premium Rouge. What’s more, we’ll begin introducing additional in-flight entertainment content, including Live TV, so customers can watch sports events or stay on top of the news while in the air.”
Air Canada’s famous Maple Leaf lounges will also receive significant upgrades. Following the lifting of pandemic travel restrictions, the airline has reopened its lounges and resumed services, including its buffet and beverage services. All Maple Leaf lounges at Air Canada hubs will receive a dining upgrade with the introduction of Montreal Fairmount Bagels. Montreal’s smoked meat sandwiches and poutine.
Select lounges now incorporate priority access lanes to prioritize Super Elite and business class passengers during the busy season. Another unique service that will be introduced this November will be a priority shuttle service between gates for Signature class customers at Vancouver International Airport. These passengers will be escorted to the apron, where Air Canada’s Chauffeur Service will transport them in an eco-friendly Porsche vehicle to their next gate. This service is similar to the one recently announced by United Airlines.
aircanada.com
