Air Canada has promised a raft of improvements both on the ground and in the air as it looks to compete with domestic and international rivals. As part of a multi-million-dollar package, the airline will introduce live TV across its fleet, improve onboard food and beverage options and woo premium passengers with luxe Acqua di Parma amenity kits.
“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,” the airline’s senior vice president of product, marketing and eCommerce Mark Nasr said on Thursday.
“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,” Nasr continued.
International Economy Class passengers will soon be able to enjoy “upgraded” meals with entrees designed by celebrity chef Jérôme Ferrer. New buy-on-board options will also be introduced on North American services, while inflight entertainment options will be increased by 25 per cent.
Part of that increase will include the introduction of live inflight TV which Air Canada says will be rolled out throughout 2023. Channels will include popular sports and news options.
In addition, the airline touted a new Bluetooth headphone pairing service and an outside camera feature – Nasr was not, however, immediately able to confirm details about the extent of the rollout for these features or how long it would take for the rollout to be complete.
A definitive timeline has, though, been agreed upon for free high-speed WiFi which will be offered to Premium Rouge customers on Air Canada Rouge-operated services from November 1. Free WiFi will replace pre-loaded iPads that are handed out by flight attendants, although an online portal with entertainment options will remain available.
Air Canada will also finally abandon some pandemic-era practices in its international premium cabins by finally offering to hang customer coats again, offering pre-departure beverages and handing out hot towels.
