Air Canada has unveiled brand-new interiors for the 37 Boeing 787 Dreamliners joining its wide-body fleet between now and the end of 2019. The airline is introducing a contemporary, sophisticated cabin design in all three classes, with a palette of slate grey and neutral tones complemented by accents of Canadian red and celeste blue, created in conjunction with the paulwylde design consultancy.
Highlights of the new 20-seat business-class cabin include customised lie-flat ‘Executive Pods’ based on the B/E Aerospace Diamond seat, with direct aisle access, an adjustable pneumatic cushion system that can be extended into a fully flat 80in-long sleeping position, an adjustable pneumatic cushion headrest with a massage feature, and an 18in IFE display with touch handset (the largest offered by a North American airline in business class). Later this year Air Canada will also introduce a new espresso and cappuccino service for business-class passengers.
Premium economy features 21 customised Recaro seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, providing 38in pitch, 19.5in seat width and 7in recline. Each seat is equipped with a 9in or 11in enhanced definition touchscreen IFE display, as well as universal power and USB outlets. The cabin service offers premium meals, a complimentary bar service and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.
Finally, the economy cabin has 210 slimline B/E Aerospace Pinnacle seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat is equipped with a 9in touchscreen IFE display, a USB outlet, and access to a universal power outlet.
“The new interiors and seating on the 787 Dreamliner will become Air Canada’s new international standard,” said Ben Smith, the airline’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “As recently announced, we also plan to begin conversion in late 2015 of 12 Boeing 777-300ER and six Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to provide our customers a consistent product with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With the conversion of these 777 aircraft, we will introduce a much desired premium economy cabin and refurbish the International Business Class cabin to the new Boeing 787 state-of-the-art standards. The reconfiguration project is planned be completed in the second half of 2016.”
Air Canada’s Dreamliner fleet will consist of a total of 15 B787-8 aircraft and 22 of the larger capacity B787-9 aircraft. All 37 B787 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019. As Air Canada takes delivery of new wide-body aircraft for its mainline fleet, current B767 and Airbus A319 aircraft will be transferred to its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rouge.
