Air Canada Redesigns Premium Service Fleet With New Boeing 787s
Airlines are really getting in the holiday spirits by announcing new perks fliers can start looking forward to. Last week we gave you a look at United Airlines' new redesign of their Premium Service fleet, and now it's Air Canada's turn with their new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin interiors!
"We are very excited to introduce completely re-designed seating and cabin amenities that will offer Air Canada customers the very best in comfort and contemporary design," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "With the arrival next spring of our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Air Canada continues to renew its international wide body fleet with the next generation of modern and fuel efficient aircraft. As North America's Best Airline, we look forward to taking delivery of our first 787 Dreamliner and continuing to raise the bar in customer comfort."
Their new design will be offering customers three cabins of service, all highlighted by contemporary décor and ergonomic seating with 180-degree lie-flat seats (in the International Business Class cabin). In-flight entertainment will be found on touch screens for all fliers, as well as power outlets and USB ports. Plus, the windows are apparently larger than found on any aircraft flying today.
Decked out in slate grey and accents of blue and Canadian red, the new Business Class will have 20 lie-flat Executive Pods with pneumatic cushions with a massage feature in the headrest. There will also be an espresso and cappuccino service. The Premium Economy cabin has 21 seats, each giving guests 38 inches of legroom and a 7-inch seat recline.
According to Air Canada, the Boeing 787 is 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 767 it is replacing, partly thanks to the use of composite materials in the airframe construction – which also allows for a longer flying range. Wanting to help travelers feel more comfortable in the air, the updated aircraft will have ambient mood lighting, lower cabin pressure, and higher humidity.
The first of 15 787-8 aircraft will be delivered in spring 2014, while the larger 787-9 is set for July 2015. All 37 are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019.
