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Old Apr 13, 2018, 4:14 pm
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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

Originally Posted by tcook052
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.


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
Originally Posted by BarrieTravelGuy
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
Originally Posted by Rundosrun
When did AC switch to serving Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut onboard instead of the stuff they normally serve. It seems the menus for flights in April are showing a change. Did I miss this?? I much prefer the new Champagne on offer.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
Originally Posted by ACYYZ/SD
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).

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
Originally Posted by lallied
I had garlic bread on AC34 on the 11th. Nice and herby. Not sure whether just SYD or the change as no mimosa and didn’t check bubbles . They also said will be mattress pads for J seats.

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
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Int. Business Class & select wide-body N. America aircraft become 'Signature Service'

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Old Apr 13, 2018, 9:28 pm
  #16  
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Originally Posted by cooleddie
There's not enough overhead room in the 788 to store the mattress pad??
That's a good question given the existing overhead space issues in J on the 788 as well as the 333.
I wonder if any XM J 333 will have the mattress pads as well? Also mainline 763s which remain XM... mattress pads?
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Old Apr 13, 2018, 11:44 pm
  #17  
 
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Originally Posted by yyznomad
That's a good question given the existing overhead space issues in J on the 788 as well as the 333.
I wonder if any XM J 333 will have the mattress pads as well? Also mainline 763s which remain XM... mattress pads?
On SAA they give mattress pads and they use all the bins above in the A332. And they have bins running across all of J in the centre and along the windows. Not sure how this will work on AC, unless the mattress pad is really just another blanket.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 8:37 am
  #18  
 
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I think the mattress pads are a great addition, and something that's becoming more common in J. I've been on 8+ UA Polaris flights with the mattress pads since they added them in late 2016, and it definitely makes a difference to sleep quality. I'd appreciated them on SAA as well.

The ones that UA use seem to be similar thickness as the duvet, but scaled to the shape of the seat, so take up about the same amount of bin space as a duvet. UA typically has the pads stored in closets in/near the galley, and sometimes in the overhead bins, as they're an "on-request" item rather than being placed on every seat. I haven't noticed too much of a problem with storage space, except it being a bit tight around rows 1-2 on the 788/789/77W due to pilot bunks. That being said, storage space could be much tighter for these on the AC 788/789 due to the absence of overhead bins in the center. Either way, I'm sure they'll find a place to put them for takeoff/landing. My guess is that if they do become too cumbersome to have a mattress pad stacked on every seat along with the duvet, they may go to the "on-request" approach and have the crew stash them away.

A number of the upgrades (mattress pads, garlic bread, mimosas), have some elements of the updates UA made for the launch of their Polaris service. Surprised they didn't add PJ's for the long haul TPAC flights as well. ;-)
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 10:00 am
  #19  
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It is about time AC introduced these enhancements.I am most pleased.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 10:43 am
  #20  
 
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Originally Posted by Bohemian1
The FAs on my flight this morning were very excited about the mattress pads for some reason.
I like the idea of a mattress pad. On TPAC flights, I sometimes grab an extra duvet from an empty seat and use it as a pad. I just hope the pad doesn't become an excuse for not fixing deflated seats.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 10:59 am
  #21  
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Originally Posted by gcashin
I think the mattress pads are a great addition, and something that's becoming more common in J. I've been on 8+ UA Polaris flights with the mattress pads since they added them in late 2016, and it definitely makes a difference to sleep quality. I'd appreciated them on SAA as well.

The ones that UA use seem to be similar thickness as the duvet, but scaled to the shape of the seat, so take up about the same amount of bin space as a duvet. UA typically has the pads stored in closets in/near the galley, and sometimes in the overhead bins, as they're an "on-request" item rather than being placed on every seat. I haven't noticed too much of a problem with storage space, except it being a bit tight around rows 1-2 on the 788/789/77W due to pilot bunks. That being said, storage space could be much tighter for these on the AC 788/789 due to the absence of overhead bins in the center. Either way, I'm sure they'll find a place to put them for takeoff/landing. My guess is that if they do become too cumbersome to have a mattress pad stacked on every seat along with the duvet, they may go to the "on-request" approach and have the crew stash them away.

A number of the upgrades (mattress pads, garlic bread, mimosas), have some elements of the updates UA made for the launch of their Polaris service. Surprised they didn't add PJ's for the long haul TPAC flights as well. ;-)
This is what I was alluding to, although void of your detailing.

The 788 has zero center bins in J and the 789 actually has center bins in J starting roughly at row 3, IIRC (a quick check in the Dreamliner master thread can confirm this on FT).

I have seen on the 788 where there is just enough bin space for all J passengers once all the extra duvets and pillows were removed from the bins... not sure where the extra stuff went. So I can certainly see where the extra space needed for the mattress pads could pose a challenge.

Having said that, I'm sure there are others here who know where everything can be stored in J and the J galleys and elsewhere. AC probably has thought about this and figured it out, I will try to safely assume.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 10:59 am
  #22  
 
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Originally Posted by King Chung Huang
I like the idea of a mattress pad. On TPAC flights, I sometimes grab an extra duvet from an empty seat and use it as a pad. I just hope the pad doesn't become an excuse for not fixing deflated seats.
That excuse would only be activated after deploying two pads.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 12:37 pm
  #23  
 
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This is exciting, although AC is already one of my top choices for Biz Class over the Atlantic. Improving on an already great product is impressive. I'll take AC 788/9 any day over UA/LH/AA/BA... Cool!
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 2:20 pm
  #24  
 
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Originally Posted by MaximusDamon
This is exciting, although AC is already one of my top choices for Biz Class over the Atlantic. Improving on an already great product is impressive. I'll take AC 788/9 any day over UA/LH/AA/BA... Cool!
​​​​​​It certainly is a win over Lufthansa
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 2:32 pm
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This is an exciting thread. Well, I am excited. I really believe that AC is finally (sort of) listening and perhaps recognized that if it did not address some of its deficiencies, J class pax would do what I have been doing and picking the better quality options.

1. Mattress pads- These are major improvement as I find the seats uncomfortable for sleeping. The storage space should not be an issue as I find that there is sufficient overhead bin space, except on some of the mainland China routes where too many of the pax ex China are bringing on excess oversized cabin baggage. My one concern is that I find the seats are a tight fit for sleeping. My thighs and legs can get wedged up against the tray table and I fear that the mattress may make this an even tighter fit. Also, where will the mattresses be stored at the seat when pax want to lift them? With the pillow, duvet and other stuff, it can get a bit messy. How will they be cleaned? Will they have a cover or would they be vinyl type that can just be wiped down if someone leaks bodily fluid on them?

2. Garlic bread- It's a differentiator on AC as it is the only airline on the asian routes that doesn't offer the option. The current dinner rolls are like papier mache.

3. Mimosas & Signature Drink - Phooie. The only people I know who drink mimosas are loud women and the beloved Dr. Rajesh Ramayan Koothrappali, and he's imaginary. And what's this nonsense with bourbon and maple syrup? What are they trying to do, initiate projectile vomiting? Bourbon is an American affectation and in Canada the beverage of choice of lounge lizards, hookers and other seedy characters. How about something with Rum( like a NL Screech) or even Rye (which I detest). C'mon AC, please try something that isn't so sweet and disgusting.

4. I have a feeling more improvements are on the way and I intend to keep an open mind on these changes. I have done 5 long haul segments with AC to date in 2018 and 3 have been excellent, 1 very good and 1 good. It's an improvement from my experience last year, when most flights would have been fair with maybe 1 good. Thank you Air Canada.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 2:54 pm
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Transpacificflyer

1. Mattress pads- These are major improvement as I find the seats uncomfortable for sleeping. The storage space should not be an issue as I find that there is sufficient overhead bin space, except on some of the mainland China routes where too many of the pax ex China are bringing on excess oversized cabin baggage. My one concern is that I find the seats are a tight fit for sleeping. My thighs and legs can get wedged up against the tray table and I fear that the mattress may make this an even tighter fit. Also, where will the mattresses be stored at the seat when pax want to lift them? With the pillow, duvet and other stuff, it can get a bit messy. How will they be cleaned? Will they have a cover or would they be vinyl type that can just be wiped down if someone leaks bodily fluid on them?
I hope you're right, but with the 150+ flights I did in J on the 788s/789s last year alone, there were several instances where there was not enough space (especially on the 788s) even after all the removable stuff like extra duvets, pillows, etc. were removed. But in the grand scheme of things, I do expect that "most" of the time there will be no issues, which I guess is most important.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 3:22 pm
  #27  
 
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I suppose with the mattress pad, sleeping on the side went from uncomfortable to near impossible for me lol
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 4:09 pm
  #28  
 
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Originally Posted by Jumper Jack
I suppose with the mattress pad, sleeping on the side went from uncomfortable to near impossible for me lol
Not sure what I'm missing here, but if you think the mattress pad makes it uncomfortable, don't sleep on the mattress pad.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 5:25 pm
  #29  
 
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awesome ! We've been asking for a signature cocktail a la TK/CX for a while. the new toiletries are also welcome as the current one is horrible. the only thing missing is a "book the cook" type service ex-YYZ/YVR.
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Old Apr 14, 2018, 5:44 pm
  #30  
 
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It would be funny if this was all just a hoax with some clever Photoshop work.

Looking forward to Apr 17, 2018 otherwise.
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