Air Canada is gearing up to redefine luxury travel with a next-generation business class for its Boeing 787 aircraft, featuring an exclusive ‘business plus’ suite at the front of the cabin. This development aligns with the airline’s strategy to enhance its premium offerings and increase revenue from high-end travelers.

A Strategic Shift Towards Premium Travel

During its annual Investor Day, Air Canada emphasized its commitment to premium product leadership. The airline is adopting new seating layouts designed to expand premium seating capacity while optimizing revenue. This move comes as part of a broader effort to attract and retain business-class travelers by providing a more luxurious and spacious flying experience.

Enhanced Business Class Experience on the Boeing 787-10

Air Canada’s Boeing 787-10, expected to enter service in 2026, will introduce a significantly upgraded Signature Class. The layout reveals that the first row of the business class cabin will feature larger and more private suites compared to the standard business seats behind them.

Following the trend set by leading airlines like Air New Zealand, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada’s ‘business plus’ suites will provide passengers with additional privacy, increased space, and exclusive features such as personal wardrobes, larger entertainment screens, and the option for dining for two.

Premium Travel Comes at a Price

As seen with other airlines, these front-row premium suites will come at an additional cost. Lufthansa, for example, offers its Allegris Business Class Suite for an extra charge starting at €400 on long-haul flights, while Virgin Atlantic’s Retreat Suites on its A330neo aircraft require an additional £200 for routes between London and the U.S.

Increased Business and Premium Economy Capacity

The Boeing 787-10 will accommodate 42 business class seats across 11 rows, marking a 40% increase compared to the 30-seat layout on the 787-9. Additionally, premium economy capacity will also see a rise, increasing from 21 to 28 seats, reflecting a 33% boost in availability for travelers seeking an elevated experience without the full cost of business class.

A Competitive Edge with Cutting-Edge Amenities

The new Signature Class will close the gap with other airlines offering doored suites, expansive 4K HD entertainment screens, Bluetooth audio streaming, and wireless charging. The airline’s current business class, introduced in 2018, is based on Collins Aerospace’s Super Diamond platform. However, Collins has since advanced its technology with the Elements suite, featuring sliding privacy doors and enhanced passenger comfort—an upgrade Air Canada may integrate into its next-generation cabins.

Expanding Luxury to Single-Aisle Jets

In addition to the 787-10, Air Canada is also developing a premium single-aisle Signature Class for its Airbus A321XLR fleet, arriving in 2025. These suites are being designed in collaboration with London-based studio Acumen and the airline’s in-house design team, further solidifying Air Canada’s premium travel focus.

As the competition for high-end travelers intensifies, Air Canada’s upcoming business class innovations position the airline as a strong contender in the evolving landscape of luxury air travel.

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