Trip Reports - Air Canada: LHR-YYC and YVR-LHR this July

Not quite sure whether this is the right place to post this, as it's not yet a trip report (but I will be writing them by the end of July!).

I will be travelling Air Canada LHR-YYC (Calgary) on July 19th and then YVR (Vancouver)-LHR on July 28th, both flights in Executive First.

I have a few questions: :)

1. Both aircraft are scheduled as A330-300s. However, on checking the seat availability chart on AC's website, I find the YVR-LHR flight has the seat maps of a B767-300ER (ie. 1-2-2 seating in Executive First instead of 2-2-2 as on the A330s). Above the seat map it does say '333' though, so what's going on?! :confused:

2. AC have scheduled some of their new B777-300ERs to operate to Calgary from August. What's the chance of getting one of these new aircraft on either of my flights, or a B767 with the new Project XM interior?

3. Where are the best places at LHR T3 departures to photograph airside action? Are they very strict about photography in gate areas, departure lounges etc.?

Once again, sorry if this is the wrong place to post. ;)

Best place to post this for a reply is the very friendly Air Canada forum

I believe the 3rd 777 is just going into service this week. I would not expect a 777 to show up on the YYC-LHR run before the scheduled start. They just don't have very many in the fleet yet.

According to AC.com 6 out of 32 767's have received their XM treatment as of May 1. This process is taking a very long time...by July you will still have a better chance of getting an old plane than an XM version.

Not sure what is going on with your return flight from YVR...but my gut would tell me a aircraft change is in the works. The old 767's are VERY worn out...the A330's are in decent shape. You can roll the dice and hope for a XM 767 or switch to the earlier flight which is definitely still an A330.

Best place to post this for a reply is the very friendly Air Canada forum

Will do, thanks for the advice.

Watch out for my trip reports here in July. ;)