ETW Staff – Mumbai
Air Canada is expanding 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.
Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines, Air Canada, said, “The introduction of our new international on-board product standard across our entire Boeing 777 and 787 fleets is a key component of Air Canada’s international expansion plans. 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.”