Air Canada Expands Introduction of New International Business Class and Premium Economy Seating

MONTREAL, Nov. 6, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today said that along with the addition of two new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to its widebody fleet, it will expand the introduction of its new International Business Class product to include all Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, seven more than previously announced.  It will also reconfigure the aircraft to include its new Premium Economy cabin. Air Canada's three-cabin international product and seating standard will therefore be extended to all 25 of the carrier's Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft consistent with seating on its new Boeing 787-8 and -9 Dreamliner fleet.

Air Canada will also reconfigure its fleet of eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft to offer customers the option of its new Premium Economy cabin. The current Economy and International Business Class cabins of its A330-300 fleet will remain unchanged. Conversion of Air Canada's Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015 and is expected to be completed by the second half of 2016.

"The introduction of our new international onboard product standard across our entire Boeing 777 and 787 fleets is a key component of Air Canada's international expansion plans," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines. "With the conversion of our widebody aircraft we will introduce a much desired Premium Economy cabin and refurbish the International Business Class cabins of our entire Boeing 777 fleet to offer our international customers a state-of-the-art product consistent with on our new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet."

Air Canada's new international product offers three cabins of service highlighted by comfortable ergonomic seating that features 180-degree lie-flat seats in its International Business Class cabin. Visit 787.aircanada.com for details and a virtual tour of the Air Canada's new international product currently featured on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Air Canada's new International Business Class cabin features up to 30 lie-flat Executive Pods on its Boeing 787-8 and -9 aircraft and up to 40 on Boeing 777-300ER and -200LR aircraft once converted, with an adjustable pneumatic cushion system that can be extended into a fully flat sleeping position. International Business Class features include:

• An adjustable pneumatic cushion headrest offers a massage feature, unique for an airline in business class.
• The personal entertainment screen with touch handset, at 18 inches, is the largest offered by a North American airline in business class. Universal power and USB outlets are available at each seat.
• Espresso and cappuccino service for International Business Class customers on Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 aircraft.
• A 1-2-1 configuration guarantees direct aisle access with window views.

Air Canada is the only North American carrier to offer enhanced seating in Premium Economy with generous personal space, wider seats and greater legroom and recline.  Premium Economy features 21 seats on its Boeing 787 aircraft and, once converted, 24 on Boeing 777 aircraft and 21 seats on Airbus A330 aircraft. Each seat is equipped with a 9- or 11-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen, as well as universal power and USB outlets. Air Canada's Premium Economy cabin service offers premium meals, complimentary bar service and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.

Air Canada's new Economy cabin standard features slimline seats that provide personal space consistent with the comfort of Air Canada's current Economy cabin. Each Economy seat on the Boeing 787 and 777 fleets will be equipped with a 9-inch enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screen with USB outlet and a universal power outlet available at arm's reach.

Air Canada's Dreamliner fleet will consist of a total of 15 787-8 aircraft and 22 of the larger capacity 787-9 aircraft. All 37 Boeing 787 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2019.  As Air Canada takes delivery of new widebody aircraft for its mainline fleet, current Boeing 767 aircraft will be transferred to its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rouge.

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 180 destinations on five continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2013 served more than 35 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 73 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,316 airports in 192 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2014 for the fifth consecutive year.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Air Canada's public communications may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, employee and labour relations, currency exchange and interest rates, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena, and factors arising from man-made sources), insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com.  Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date.  However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

SOURCE: Air Canada

ATTENTION EDITORS: A selection of photos can be downloaded here:
http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/media/facts/photos_fleet.html

Contacts:
Isabelle Arthur (Montréal)  514 422-5788
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto)  416 263-5576
Angela Mah (Vancouver)  604 270-5741

Internet:  aircanada.com