Air Canada Expands Introduction of New Business Class and Premium Economy Seating

Air Canada is to expand the introduction of its new International Business Class product to include all Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, seven more than previously announced.

The airline will also reconfigure the aircraft to include a new Premium Economy cabin.

Air Canada's three-cabin international product and seating standard will therefore be extended to all 25 of the carrier's Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft consistent with seating on its new Boeing 787-8 and -9 Dreamliner fleet.

Air Canada will also reconfigure its fleet of eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft to offer customers the option of its new Premium Economy cabin. The current Economy and International Business Class cabins of its A330-300 fleet will remain unchanged.

Conversion of Air Canada's Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015 and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2016.

"The introduction of our new international onboard product standard across our entire Boeing 777 and 787 fleets is a key component of Air Canada's international expansion plans," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines. "With the conversion of our widebody aircraft we will introduce a much desired Premium Economy cabin and refurbish the International Business Class cabins of our entire Boeing 777 fleet to offer our international customers a state-of-the-art product consistent with on our new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet."

Air Canada's new International Business Class cabin features up to thirty 180-degree lie-flat Executive Pods on its Boeing 787-8 and -9 aircraft and up to forty on Boeing 777-300ER and -200LR aircraft once converted, with an adjustable pneumatic cushion system that can be extended into a fully flat sleeping position. International Business Class features include:

- An adjustable pneumatic cushion headrest offers a massage feature, unique for an airline in business class.

- The personal 18-inch entertainment screen with touch handset.

- Universal power and USB outlets are available at each seat.

- Espresso and cappuccino service for International Business Class customers on Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft.

- A 1-2-1 configuration guarantees direct aisle access with window views.

Premium Economy features 21 seats on its Boeing 787 aircraft and, once converted, 24 on Boeing 777 aircraft and 21 seats on Airbus A330 aircraft. Each seat is equipped with a 9 or 11-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen, as well as universal power and USB outlets. Air Canada's Premium Economy cabin service offers premium meals, complimentary bar service and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.

Air Canada's new Economy cabin standard features slimline seats that provide personal space consistent with the comfort of Air Canada's current Economy cabin. Each Economy seat on the Boeing 787 and 777 fleets will be equipped with a 9-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen with USB outlet and a universal power outlet available at arm's reach.

Air Canada's Dreamliner fleet will consist of a total of 15 787-8 aircraft and 22 of the larger capacity 787-9 aircraft. All 37 Boeing 787 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019. As Air Canada takes delivery of new widebody aircraft for its mainline fleet, current Boeing 767 aircraft will be transferred to its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rouge.