Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > Air Canada | Aeroplan
Reload this Page >

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

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Apr 13, 2018, 4:14 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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 ŕ 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 ŕ 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
Print Wikipost

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

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 17, 2018, 1:49 pm
  #121  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: yyz
Programs: AC*SE 1MM. a bunch of hotel programs.
Posts: 1,592
is it still Courvoisier VSOP.. or are they going up to Remy or Hennessy XO like the Asian carriers ?
karachi is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 3:19 pm
  #122  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Menus calendar is up. I only checked for one random route and date

However, I notice that there are still no menus on the YVR-TPE route and haven't been for a while.






Last edited by 24left; Apr 17, 2018 at 3:27 pm Reason: spelling
24left is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 3:23 pm
  #123  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Originally Posted by 24left
Menus calendar is up. I only checked for one random route and date

However, I notice that there are still not menus on the YVR-TPE route and haven't been for a while.
Still nothing for YVR-PEK on 4/22.
capedreamer is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 4:38 pm
  #124  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
Originally Posted by 24left
Menus calendar is up. I only checked for one random route and date

However, I notice that there are still no menus on the YVR-TPE route and haven't been for a while.
YVR-TPE should be the same as YVR-HKG on the outbound at least. I think the reason the website doesn't display them has something to do with the flight number changing.
D582 is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 4:41 pm
  #125  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
Originally Posted by capedreamer
Still nothing for YVR-PEK on 4/22.
https://www.aircanada.com/content/da..._BJS%20PVG.pdf
D582 is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:21 pm
  #126  
Original Member
 
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
So after not paying attention for several days and getting bored after reading the first 10 or so posts in this thread... the crux is Air Canada is introducing mattress pads on international J cabins?

Hardly seems worthy of a new service name.
KenHamer is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:33 pm
  #127  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Thanks! Based on the file name, that seems to be the menu for 4/25 - 4/29. I guess it's the same?

The duck looks interesting.
capedreamer is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:40 pm
  #128  
Original Member
 
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
Originally Posted by capedreamer
They really planned for a smooth roll-out for such a premium service:



Wait what?!

Did they take away dine on demand and express meals just so they could reintroduce them?

Express meal was always my choice on my hordes of yvr-syd flights eons ago.
longtimeflyin likes this.
KenHamer is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:57 pm
  #129  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
Originally Posted by capedreamer
Thanks! Based on the file name, that seems to be the menu for 4/25 - 4/29. I guess it's the same?

The duck looks interesting.
Flight numbers actually. AC25 and AC29
D582 is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:57 pm
  #130  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Originally Posted by D582
YVR-TPE should be the same as YVR-HKG on the outbound at least. I think the reason the website doesn't display them has something to do with the flight number changing.
@D582
I thought about that too except that the TPE flights have been missing for a while and if they do use the same outbound menu, then it can't be too hard to link it on the AC page. But TPE-YVR can't be the same as HKG-YVR, so....
24left is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 5:59 pm
  #131  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Originally Posted by D582


Flight numbers actually. AC25 and AC29
Ah of course. Thanks again!
capedreamer is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 6:07 pm
  #132  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
Originally Posted by KenHamer
Wait what?!

Did they take away dine on demand and express meals just so they could reintroduce them?

Express meal was always my choice on my hordes of yvr-syd flights eons ago.
Those options are the same as it’s been for a while now. The old “Express” option where you could opt for your hot main right after take off was eliminated at least a couple of years ago, around the time they started plating in the galley.

For the Australia routes, when I did YVR-SYD in August 2016, they did the full dinner service. Sometime since then they have replaced it with an Express service for everyone. No appetiser, just main, bread, salad, cheese and fruit presented all at once after take off. And then the dessert trolley.
D582 is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 6:08 pm
  #133  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Could you kindly remind me what the main link is for displaying various menus?
Jasper2009 is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 6:10 pm
  #134  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Originally Posted by D582


Those options are the same as it’s been for a while now. The old “Express” option where you could opt for your hot main right after take off was eliminated at least a couple of years ago, around the time they started plating in the galley.
Yep, and this was in mid-2015, IIRC. So nothing "new" or "different" with respect to that.
yyznomad is offline  
Old Apr 17, 2018, 6:13 pm
  #135  
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
Originally Posted by Jasper2009
Could you kindly remind me what the main link is for displaying various menus?
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...e-service.html

near the bottom
D582 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.