Apr 13, 2018, 4:14 pm
Last edit by: Chowtime
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Eff. April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Possibly to be rebranded Rebranded as Air Canada Signature Service Please see post #51 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29644079-post51.html
I started this thread and wiki in advance of the rebranding launch in order to preempt the multiple new threads that will be inevitably started, and giving a bit more "glue" to the information mixed in several other threads, as we have already started seeing.
The main purpose is to have all the rebranding information housed under this one thread.
Over time, as the rebranded products and services become mainstay and the norm, I anticipate that topics will go under their regular main threads such as International J meals, amenity kits, etc. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with posting in the other existing threads as well.
My international flying has been limited as of late, so any feedback, information, details, opinions, etc. from the rest here would be appreciated!
Thanks,
- yyznomad
Press release courtesy of tcook052 in post #93:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29650400-post93.html
AFAIK, credit goes to supremekai for posting this information (and providing a useful link to the image!) in the master Amenity Kit thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29633632-post110.html
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Effective April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Amenities - Service Items
Beverage Service
Meal Service
*Please note: International and select route wide-body Business class will be rebranded on April 17 with a new name.
Please note that there have been anecdotal instances of new service/products being introduced prior to the official rebranding launch date:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29611852-post2081.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29579069-post2051.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
June 1 2018 - Post 288
North American Signature Service description now on AC.com
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29820459-post288.html
NEW - Detailed Trancontinental Signature Class Video Review
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
I started this thread and wiki in advance of the rebranding launch in order to preempt the multiple new threads that will be inevitably started, and giving a bit more "glue" to the information mixed in several other threads, as we have already started seeing.
The main purpose is to have all the rebranding information housed under this one thread.
Over time, as the rebranded products and services become mainstay and the norm, I anticipate that topics will go under their regular main threads such as International J meals, amenity kits, etc. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with posting in the other existing threads as well.
My international flying has been limited as of late, so any feedback, information, details, opinions, etc. from the rest here would be appreciated!
Thanks,
- yyznomad
Press release courtesy of tcook052 in post #93:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29650400-post93.html
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/air-canada-elevates-premium-travel-experience-for-international-and-north-american-customers-679968583.html
MONTREAL, April 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today introduced its new Air Canada Signature Service, providing an enhanced and seamless end-to-end travel experience for customers flying in Air Canada Signature Class, the premium cabin of its wide-body aircraft. Available today for international customers and, starting June 1 on select flights within North America, the new service makes Air Canada the first North American airline to designate aircraft with lie-flat seats for premium customers on select non-stop, transcontinental flights within Canada and to the U.S., including overnight daily flights from Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto.
Air Canada Signature Service customers will receive priority service at every stage of the journey, including access to airport concierge services, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. Customers will also enjoy Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access and, for eligible customers travelling to international destinations from Toronto-Pearson, access to the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, featuring à la carte restaurant dining from a menu created by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth.
"Our new Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class brands reflect the ongoing refinements to our premium travel service. We know our premium customers travelling on longer flight itineraries place a high value on convenience and comfort when in airports or onboard an aircraft, and with Air Canada Signature Service we provide a level of service unsurpassed in North America on every widebody flight," said Benjamin Smith, President of Passenger Airlines, Air Canada.
"Customers travelling Air Canada Signature Class on international itineraries and, beginning in June, on select transcontinental flights within North America, will receive seamless Air Canada Signature Service. They will enjoy added amenities throughout their journey, from curbside-to-curbside and at all points in between."
Available starting today on all Air Canada international flights and beginning June 1 on select transcontinental flights within North America, Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class incorporate and elevate the award-winning attributes of Air Canada's International Business Class, featuring its next generation lie-flat suites. Air Canada Signature Service will be available on select transborder and domestic Canadian transcontinental flights when operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft. This includes routes between Toronto and the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and between Vancouver and the cities of New York-Newark and Montreal.
To note, Air Canada Signature Service with lie-flat suites to provide a full night's rest will be available daily on the following North American non-stop overnight flights beginning June 1.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Aircraft
AC126
Vancouver 22:35
Toronto 05:55 + 1 day
Boeing 777
AC788
Los Angeles 22:15
Toronto 05:52 + 1 day
Boeing 787
AC754
San Francisco 22:45
Toronto 06:37 + 1 day
Boeing 787
Air Canada Signature Class also introduces new amenities to make the journey even more comfortable, including:
Updated onboard menu items from chef David Hawksworth, including for the first time on flights serving lunch and dinner in North America Air Canada Signature Class starting June 1, and a South Asian menu by chef Vikram Vij on flights to Mumbai and New Delhi, complemented by an expanded wine selection chosen by Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest; service on new restaurant style dishware and glassware;
For transcontinental travellers, enhanced wine and spirits, and the added option of espresso and cappuccino served with dessert or a new cheese selection, while for international travellers Air Canada will now offer Laurent-Perrier champagne; on all routes, customers will be able to enjoy the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail;
For international travelers, personal comfort items by Canadian brands, including enhanced amenity kits by Want Les Essentiels, with premium care products by vitruvi;
Mattress pads to enhance the sleep experience;
At Air Canada's Toronto-Pearson global hub, full fare Air Canada Signature Class customers departing on International flights will have access to the Air Canada Signature Suite. The suite is an exclusive airport retreat, where eligible customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by chef Hawksworth, or enjoy, Moet & Chandon champagne, fine wines and premium cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting;
For full fare premium cabin customers originating in Toronto-Pearson or arriving at Toronto-Pearson originating from a domestic flight with onward international travel, Air Canada will also provide Air Canada Valet Service, powered by BMW, starting later in 2018. It is the first dedicated service offered by an airline in North America for customers booked in a premium cabin, where a dedicated fleet of BMW sedans whisk customers over the tarmac to connect, making connecting at Toronto-Pearson truly exclusive and seamless.
MONTREAL, April 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today introduced its new Air Canada Signature Service, providing an enhanced and seamless end-to-end travel experience for customers flying in Air Canada Signature Class, the premium cabin of its wide-body aircraft. Available today for international customers and, starting June 1 on select flights within North America, the new service makes Air Canada the first North American airline to designate aircraft with lie-flat seats for premium customers on select non-stop, transcontinental flights within Canada and to the U.S., including overnight daily flights from Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto.
Air Canada Signature Service customers will receive priority service at every stage of the journey, including access to airport concierge services, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. Customers will also enjoy Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access and, for eligible customers travelling to international destinations from Toronto-Pearson, access to the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, featuring à la carte restaurant dining from a menu created by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth.
"Our new Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class brands reflect the ongoing refinements to our premium travel service. We know our premium customers travelling on longer flight itineraries place a high value on convenience and comfort when in airports or onboard an aircraft, and with Air Canada Signature Service we provide a level of service unsurpassed in North America on every widebody flight," said Benjamin Smith, President of Passenger Airlines, Air Canada.
"Customers travelling Air Canada Signature Class on international itineraries and, beginning in June, on select transcontinental flights within North America, will receive seamless Air Canada Signature Service. They will enjoy added amenities throughout their journey, from curbside-to-curbside and at all points in between."
Available starting today on all Air Canada international flights and beginning June 1 on select transcontinental flights within North America, Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class incorporate and elevate the award-winning attributes of Air Canada's International Business Class, featuring its next generation lie-flat suites. Air Canada Signature Service will be available on select transborder and domestic Canadian transcontinental flights when operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft. This includes routes between Toronto and the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and between Vancouver and the cities of New York-Newark and Montreal.
To note, Air Canada Signature Service with lie-flat suites to provide a full night's rest will be available daily on the following North American non-stop overnight flights beginning June 1.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Aircraft
AC126
Vancouver 22:35
Toronto 05:55 + 1 day
Boeing 777
AC788
Los Angeles 22:15
Toronto 05:52 + 1 day
Boeing 787
AC754
San Francisco 22:45
Toronto 06:37 + 1 day
Boeing 787
Air Canada Signature Class also introduces new amenities to make the journey even more comfortable, including:
Updated onboard menu items from chef David Hawksworth, including for the first time on flights serving lunch and dinner in North America Air Canada Signature Class starting June 1, and a South Asian menu by chef Vikram Vij on flights to Mumbai and New Delhi, complemented by an expanded wine selection chosen by Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest; service on new restaurant style dishware and glassware;
For transcontinental travellers, enhanced wine and spirits, and the added option of espresso and cappuccino served with dessert or a new cheese selection, while for international travellers Air Canada will now offer Laurent-Perrier champagne; on all routes, customers will be able to enjoy the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail;
For international travelers, personal comfort items by Canadian brands, including enhanced amenity kits by Want Les Essentiels, with premium care products by vitruvi;
Mattress pads to enhance the sleep experience;
At Air Canada's Toronto-Pearson global hub, full fare Air Canada Signature Class customers departing on International flights will have access to the Air Canada Signature Suite. The suite is an exclusive airport retreat, where eligible customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by chef Hawksworth, or enjoy, Moet & Chandon champagne, fine wines and premium cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting;
For full fare premium cabin customers originating in Toronto-Pearson or arriving at Toronto-Pearson originating from a domestic flight with onward international travel, Air Canada will also provide Air Canada Valet Service, powered by BMW, starting later in 2018. It is the first dedicated service offered by an airline in North America for customers booked in a premium cabin, where a dedicated fleet of BMW sedans whisk customers over the tarmac to connect, making connecting at Toronto-Pearson truly exclusive and seamless.
AFAIK, credit goes to supremekai for posting this information (and providing a useful link to the image!) in the master Amenity Kit thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29633632-post110.html
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Effective April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Amenities - Service Items
- Matress pads folded in plastic wrap and placed at Pods by Cabin Services for customers to lay out themselves
- New amenity kit by Montreal-based WANT Les Essentiels including premium eyeshades, microfibre cloth and vitruvi lip balm and lotion
- Redesigned menu
- New dishware and glassware (no change to cutlery, cups, champagne glass in J or stemmed wine glass in PY at this time)
- New premium skincare products by Vancouver-based vitruvi in the J lavatories: soap, hand loation, facial mist
Beverage Service
- Mimosa offered as a pre-departure beverage on breakfast flights (replaces sparkling water)
- New signature cocktail (1 mini of bourbon, 1 sachet of maple syrup (packets in bar carts), 1-part Sprite and 2-parts ginger ale, served over ice, stirred and garnished with 2 slices of lemon)
- New Champagne brand
Meal Service
- Garlic bread as a third selection (international only)
- Spring/summer wine program
- Chef Hawksworth's new signature dishes
*Please note: International and select route wide-body Business class will be rebranded on April 17 with a new name.
Please note that there have been anecdotal instances of new service/products being introduced prior to the official rebranding launch date:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29611852-post2081.html
I overheard a flight attendant and pax talking about some huge launch on April 17th. All new drinks (including Mimosas) as well as all new food menus. Has anyone else heard this? I didn’t see anything in here about it. What was interesting was that they were talking about a re-branding if Business Class... I didn’t know if it was just the food or something else.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29579069-post2051.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
Two very notable changes there.
>After a long and successful run the Drappier is being retired and Laurent-Perrier Champagne is being introduced
>The Hawksworth Chocolate Fondant bids adieu in favour of a new dessert. Brown Sugar Tart with Custard.
The fabulously popular Duck Leg Entree makes a return.
FYI - the launch of the above has been delayed slightly till mid month (April).
>After a long and successful run the Drappier is being retired and Laurent-Perrier Champagne is being introduced
>The Hawksworth Chocolate Fondant bids adieu in favour of a new dessert. Brown Sugar Tart with Custard.
The fabulously popular Duck Leg Entree makes a return.
FYI - the launch of the above has been delayed slightly till mid month (April).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
June 1 2018 - Post 288
North American Signature Service description now on AC.com
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29820459-post288.html
NEW - Detailed Trancontinental Signature Class Video Review
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
Int. Business Class & select wide-body N. America aircraft become 'Signature Service'
Apr 17, 2018, 6:57 pm
#137
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 106
Because only white men matter in the forward cabin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
Apr 17, 2018, 6:59 pm
#138
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AC
Posts: 2,167
The other thing worth noting, when were all AC staff women?
Last edited by longtimeflyin; Apr 17, 2018 at 7:05 pm
Apr 17, 2018, 7:11 pm
#139
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 106
I want to be clear here. I'm not someone who is upset at Air Canada about this sort of stuff because of a one off, but in all of their promotion material, it's clear that only white men, and the occasional white woman, sits in the forward cabin. I don't think I have ever seen it, even once, whereby it's someone of any ethnicity other than white in a premium cabin. As a white male myself, I take offense to this.
The other thing worth noting, when were all AC staff women?
The other thing worth noting, when were all AC staff women?
Apr 17, 2018, 7:14 pm
#140
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AC
Posts: 2,167
I find it quite offensive! Quite bizarre and tone deaf. I'm surprised this safety video is still in circulation. I figured someone at AC would have caught on by now. However, every time I've brought up the safety video to other people who've flown AC, they didn't notice the division at all, including one of their pilots.
My beef with AC is that this isn't a one off case of poor representation of A, B, and C, but my issue with AC is that they seem to constantly make the same misrepresentation. E.g. If you're flying the J/business class cabin, you're a straight white male/woman.
Apr 17, 2018, 7:19 pm
#141
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Because only white men matter in the forward cabin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
Apr 17, 2018, 7:24 pm
#142
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 106
Maybe I wasn't clear enough, apologies.
My beef with AC is that this isn't a one off case of poor representation of A, B, and C, but my issue with AC is that they seem to constantly make the same misrepresentation. E.g. If you're flying the J/business class cabin, you're a straight white male/woman.
My beef with AC is that this isn't a one off case of poor representation of A, B, and C, but my issue with AC is that they seem to constantly make the same misrepresentation. E.g. If you're flying the J/business class cabin, you're a straight white male/woman.
And before you think I randomly accost AC pilots for opinions on their safety video diversity, I would also like to be clear this one was a friend
Apr 17, 2018, 7:24 pm
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Because only white men matter in the forward cabin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqAqrPVghnY
I recall a diversity, or lack of diversity thread on FT about Air Canada.
If the video showed a dozen J pax, then throwing in an Asian guy, a solo female traveller and a passenger's wife would probably be fairly representative; and a good % of the white men may be overweight, old and/or alcoholics (but for whatever reason they aren't included either in the video.
).Sure, I can see how some people may want AC to engage in diversity politics etc., but IMO their "marketing J pax" are quite representative of the reality. Nothing more, nothing less.
Apr 17, 2018, 7:31 pm
#145
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Well, the reality is that the majority of AC J pax are white males, so if the marketing team chooses to portray the "average J pax", then that certainly makes sense and hardly qualifes as offensive IMO.
If the video showed a dozen J pax, then throwing in an Asian guy, a solo female traveller and a passenger's wife would probably be fairly representative; and a good % of the white men may be overweight, old and/or alcoholics (but for whatever reason they aren't included either in the video. ).
Sure, I can see how some people may want AC to engage in diversity politics etc., but IMO their "marketing J pax" are quite representative of the reality. Nothing more, nothing less.
If the video showed a dozen J pax, then throwing in an Asian guy, a solo female traveller and a passenger's wife would probably be fairly representative; and a good % of the white men may be overweight, old and/or alcoholics (but for whatever reason they aren't included either in the video.
).Sure, I can see how some people may want AC to engage in diversity politics etc., but IMO their "marketing J pax" are quite representative of the reality. Nothing more, nothing less.
Apr 17, 2018, 7:36 pm
#146
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AC
Posts: 2,167
I have no strong feelings on this subject, and in fact, often find PC / woke culture a little over the top (especially where I'm based), but by your logic (representing who actually sits at the front of the plane), AC's marketing team should replace its current slate of white male models / actors with a much older, fatter, and balder one.
White, older fat men who are drunk.
Apr 17, 2018, 7:38 pm
#147
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: Only J via Peasant Points, 777HDPeasant or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance and Narcissism.
Posts: 5,956
Not even a token black guy. I am not particularly offended by the lack of diversity shown in AC's depiction of J class. But one thing I did observe is that Today's AC J demo is def not an overwhelming majority of white demo.
I will admit I was more amused by the dream like style of the video, thinking "all these BS and I still can't sleep on my side lol"
My dude in the video was literally smirking as he walk pass the pleb line like my gawd lawl. It's like a scene from American Psycho lmao
I will admit I was more amused by the dream like style of the video, thinking "all these BS and I still can't sleep on my side lol"
My dude in the video was literally smirking as he walk pass the pleb line like my gawd lawl. It's like a scene from American Psycho lmao
Last edited by Jumper Jack; Apr 17, 2018 at 7:47 pm
Apr 17, 2018, 7:44 pm
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
I have no strong feelings on this subject, and in fact, often find PC / woke culture a little over the top (especially where I'm based), but by your logic (representing who actually sits at the front of the plane), AC's marketing team should replace its current slate of white male models / actors with a much older, fatter, and balder one.
But age/fitness/attractiveness are always "optimized" by marketing folks, regardless of gender/ethnicity/etc.
The old, overweight, bald white guy may've been a young, handsome white guy with more hair some years ago. But it's unlikely he used to be a lesbian, black woman.
(one part is just "improving" the characteristics of the "average J pax"; whereas the other part is representing the attributes that generally define a person permanently).
Apr 17, 2018, 8:04 pm
#150
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
If the choice is made to represent actual reality, I guess the rationale is to make the ad more relatable to what AC believes it target clientele to be.
If the choice is made to present a more 'optimized' reality, I guess the rationale is to project an image that AC believes its target clientele aspires to embody.
In either case, these choices (if made consciously) betray a lot of implicit assumptions on the part of AC's management / marketing team about not only what its premium customers look like but also who these potential customers want to see in an ad. Lots of implicit value judgments being made IMHO.