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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 Jun 9, 2018, 4:04 pm
  #361  
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Originally Posted by JordanYVR
There's a thread on this here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ce-yyz-19.html

Have not experienced it myself, but it sounds like they do take you to the Signature Suite.
Just to be clear for @WithIntent , although it's probably the exact same vehicles and employees involved with this Signature Suite service, the original thread was not related to Signature Suite service.

Only pointing this out for @WithIntent

It would be interesting to know if this BMW service as part of Signature Suite service is now solely for this and no longer for the previous random rides people received and didn't fit the paying J criteria.


Added: One key difference between the two is that, IIRC, Signature Service offers the BMW ride even after checking in at YYZ (?) whereas the previous service was only for connecting passengers onward to international.
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Old Jun 9, 2018, 4:41 pm
  #362  
 
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Originally Posted by JordanYVR
There's a thread on this here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ce-yyz-19.html

Have not experienced it myself, but it sounds like they do take you to the Signature Suite.
Originally Posted by yyznomad
Just to be clear for @WithIntent , although it's probably the exact same vehicles and employees involved with this Signature Suite service, the original thread was not related to Signature Suite service.

Only pointing this out for @WithIntent

It would be interesting to know if this BMW service as part of Signature Suite service is now solely for this and no longer for the previous random rides people received and didn't fit the paying J criteria.


Added: One key difference between the two is that, IIRC, Signature Service offers the BMW ride even after checking in at YYZ (?) whereas the previous service was only for connecting passengers onward to international.
Thanks @JordanYVR, @yyznomad
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Old Jun 10, 2018, 4:23 am
  #363  
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It was just suggested to me that the Signature Cocktail may change in a few months (and every few months).
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Old Jun 10, 2018, 4:51 pm
  #364  
 
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Dinner menu for AC739 (YYZ-SFO) on June 10:

Appetizer

Poached tiger prawns, marinated artichokes, roasted fennel, red pepper vinaigrette

Main courses

Grilled chicken, charred scallion barbecue sauce, brown rice, corn, crispy shallot (Hawksworth)

Braised veal stew, tomato demi-glace, artichokes, curcuma couscous, vegetables

Mixed green salad, basil confit, shaved Asiago, Romano and Parmesan, grilled zucchini, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes served with salmon skewers

Cheese tortellini, creamy pepper vodka sauce, mozzarella

Cheese

Oka, Camembert, medium Cheddar, crackers

Dessert

Fresh seasonal fruit

Chocolate chip cookie baked fresh on board, vanilla or cream
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Old Jun 10, 2018, 5:05 pm
  #365  
 
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So if one does not get the Signature Suite since its heavily advertised, would you get a discount for regular J - might happen with a equipment swap.
The red eye SFO-YYZ has just breakfast, correct ?
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Old Jun 10, 2018, 11:55 pm
  #366  
 
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Originally Posted by capedreamer
Dinner menu for AC739 (YYZ-SFO) on June 10:

Appetizer

Poached tiger prawns, marinated artichokes, roasted fennel, red pepper vinaigrette

Main courses

Grilled chicken, charred scallion barbecue sauce, brown rice, corn, crispy shallot (Hawksworth)

Braised veal stew, tomato demi-glace, artichokes, curcuma couscous, vegetables

Mixed green salad, basil confit, shaved Asiago, Romano and Parmesan, grilled zucchini, roasted red pepper, cherry tomatoes served with salmon skewers

Cheese tortellini, creamy pepper vodka sauce, mozzarella

Cheese

Oka, Camembert, medium Cheddar, crackers

Dessert

Fresh seasonal fruit

Chocolate chip cookie baked fresh on board, vanilla or cream

Adding some pics.

Appetizer: Contrary to what the menu stated, this was actually not what was promised. Instead, this looked like the 'lobster and prawns with olive salsa verde, tomato confit, marinated artichokes, and roasted garlic aioli' I had on a recent AC29 to PEK.



Main course: I chose the Hawksworth chicken and was disappointed by its presentation. Thankfully, the taste was okay.



Other observations from the new transcon Signature Service: Glad to get a real appetizer, but disappointed it doesn't also come with a side salad like on international flights. Main course could benefit from more presentable plating. Finally, the cold plate issue persists. In fact, my side plate (the one reserved for bread) had ice crystals on it!
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 4:04 am
  #367  
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Originally Posted by capedreamer
Adding some pics.

Appetizer: Contrary to what the menu stated, this was actually not what was promised. Instead, this looked like the 'lobster and prawns with olive salsa verde, tomato confit, marinated artichokes, and roasted garlic aioli' I had on a recent AC29 to PEK.
........

Other observations from the new transcon Signature Service: Glad to get a real appetizer, but disappointed it doesn't also come with a side salad like on international flights. .........!

Thanks for posting.

Really unfortunate that AC doesn't realize there are many people who can't eat shellfish, or don't eat shellfish, and a plain side salad would be a very easy alternative.

While it's great that AC now offers Signature Service on select transcons, it is still underwhelming that they can't offer pre-order meals or in this case, a choice of appetizer.

However glamorous they are, I know of at least a few of those shellfish appetizers that have gone to waste on the TPACs.


Originally Posted by capedreamer
.....Finally, the cold plate issue persists. In fact, my side plate (the one reserved for bread) had ice crystals on it!
I am often reminded that AC policy does not allow crew to warm the plates and I was also told AC chose not to buy bread warmer ovens for the galley. That's fine. But don't come along offering beautiful warm breakfast croissants or even those nice new multi-grain rolls, and expect me to put them on a plate that is not only cold from being in the chiller, but has ice crystals on it. (Yes, yes, FWP, but considering the quality of the new AC service, it still baffles...)
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 11:27 am
  #368  
 
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Flew J on the 787-900 from Vancouver to EWR on June 7th. Seats and service pretty good, but IMHO breakfast is the worst meal on any airline, so difficult to judge food. The fruit on the fruit plate was however pretty good. It has probably been mentioned before, but I was a bit annoyed when I discovered that the central panel between the two middle suites does not lower. In the future I would try and book two aisle seats for my wife and I.
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 2:32 pm
  #369  
 
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Originally Posted by 24left
Thanks for posting.

Really unfortunate that AC doesn't realize there are many people who can't eat shellfish, or don't eat shellfish, and a plain side salad would be a very easy alternative.

While it's great that AC now offers Signature Service on select transcons, it is still underwhelming that they can't offer pre-order meals or in this case, a choice of appetizer.

However glamorous they are, I know of at least a few of those shellfish appetizers that have gone to waste on the TPACs.




I am often reminded that AC policy does not allow crew to warm the plates and I was also told AC chose not to buy bread warmer ovens for the galley. That's fine. But don't come along offering beautiful warm breakfast croissants or even those nice new multi-grain rolls, and expect me to put them on a plate that is not only cold from being in the chiller, but has ice crystals on it. (Yes, yes, FWP, but considering the quality of the new AC service, it still baffles...)
Given that the plate has ice crystal and the glasses are room temp warm, someone is bound to put the bread in a glass and drink champagne from the plate. It will show up in the passengers behaving badly thread
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 3:30 pm
  #370  
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Originally Posted by 24left
Thanks for posting.

Really unfortunate that AC doesn't realize there are many people who can't eat shellfish, or don't eat shellfish, and a plain side salad would be a very easy alternative.
Isn't that what a special meal is for?
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 3:40 pm
  #371  
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Originally Posted by vernonc
Given that the plate has ice crystal and the glasses are room temp warm, someone is bound to put the bread in a glass and drink champagne from the plate. It will show up in the passengers behaving badly thread
Lol, and a new form of IFE.

Originally Posted by longtimeflyin
Isn't that what a special meal is for?
Not really. If the main meals and dessert are fine, no reason not to have it. After my episode of AC's idea of vegetarian on one AC 15 (kidney beans, penne and broccoli), I don't have confidence in AC to provide an edible SPML ex-Canada.

Shellfish is a challenge for some people for a variety of reasons. My point was asking why not have a small salad as an alternative.
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 3:51 pm
  #372  
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Originally Posted by 24left
Lol, and a new form of IFE.



Not really. If the main meals and dessert are fine, no reason not to have it. After my episode of AC's idea of vegetarian on one AC 15 (kidney beans, penne and broccoli), I don't have confidence in AC to provide an edible SPML ex-Canada.

Shellfish is a challenge for some people for a variety of reasons. My point was asking why not have a small salad as an alternative.
I suspect the increased costs and wasted food is a reason.
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Old Jun 11, 2018, 10:38 pm
  #373  
 
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LHR-YVR (AC 897) June 10.
Underwhelmed. i did notice there was a mattress cover (hardly a pad, being about 1cm thick) and a new amenity kit which was in a cheap looking plastic zipped container (with the same type of offerings inside, of which I only used the eye shades - which were better fitting than the prior). No sign or offering of any Signature cocktail, and the menu was almost identical to the last time I flew Int J. Did I miss something? Was this a non-Signature flight? Mind you it was fine in all other respects; just nothing new.
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Old Jun 12, 2018, 8:56 am
  #374  
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Originally Posted by tomvancouver
LHR-YVR (AC 897) June 10.
Underwhelmed. i did notice there was a mattress cover (hardly a pad, being about 1cm thick) and a new amenity kit which was in a cheap looking plastic zipped container (with the same type of offerings inside, of which I only used the eye shades - which were better fitting than the prior). No sign or offering of any Signature cocktail, and the menu was almost identical to the last time I flew Int J. Did I miss something? Was this a non-Signature flight? Mind you it was fine in all other respects; just nothing new.
Eh, new pad. Also a better champagne. New kit. Still looks cheap but not quite as cheap as before. But yes, same menu, same overreheated food, same cheap wines.

One needs to manage one's expectations, no?
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Old Jun 12, 2018, 5:20 pm
  #375  
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AC 739 YYZ-SFO June 12 2018.

There was a mattress pad at 1D but not at 1G. I asked for it, and received it, before we pushed back.

My blanket package was (is?) open.

I got my meal order, so this is already way better than last time. It's not the fish though, so I missed that opportunity due to a mistake. I'm getting the Hawksworth (chicken) this time though.
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