Air Canada today announced what it is hailing as its “most significant cabin investment”, with enhancements in every travel class as a signal of the airline’s growth ambitions. The airline revealed its new long-haul cabin designs at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg together with Collins Aerospace, the seating supplier for the new cabins.
The cabin interiors are the first major expression of Air Canada’s new ‘Glowing Hearted’ design scheme, created to deliver a distinctly Canadian feel in the inflight experience. The all-new cabins will debut this summer as the airline’s fleet of 30 A321XLRs come online, with fully lie-flat Signature Class seating for the first time on an Air Canada single-aisle aircraft.
The introduction of the A321XLR is a key strategy for the airline, opening up new trans-Atlantic routes with premium seating options across more of its transcontinental network.
The A321XLR will feature 14 business-class suites, based on the Aurora platform from Collins Aerospace, all with 19-inch 4K OLED IFE screens and Bluetooth audio.
The shape and installation angle of the Aurora suite is designed to conform to the exact dimensions of the XLR cabin, maximising passenger living space, providing an extra row of premium seating, and expanding galley capacity to accommodate the catering volume necessary for long-haul services.
Air Canada has customised the Aurora seats to suit its requirements and branding, with input on industrial design, trim, and finish from Collins and Air Canada’s design partner, Acumen.
“By integrating the suites, monuments and galley space into a unified architecture, we’re able to make better use of the cabin footprint while maintaining passenger comfort and the service capabilities airlines need to deliver a true premium experience,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of global airlines and lessors at Collins Aerospace.
Economy class enhancements
There are also comfort enhancements in the 168-seat economy cabin of the A321XLRs, for which the airline has selected the Meridian+ model from Collins Aerospace.
Meridian+ incorporates design principles from widebody models, with a contoured architecture to reclaim additional area for passengers’ hips, knees and elbows, while the articulating seat diaphragm subtly flexes and adapts to augment comfort.
Air Canada has selected seatback options to optimise stowage, as well as 13-inch 4K OLED IFE screens with Bluetooth audio, and access to USB-C and AC power outlets.
“Details matter: we listened closely to feedback and challenged ourselves to create an experience defined by a strong Canadian sense of place, alongside a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and long-term durability,” said Mark Nasr, executive vice president & chief operations officer at Air Canada.
“This investment in the care and comfort of our customers is a key element of our New Frontiers growth strategy to become one of the world’s leading airlines.”
