Air Canada raised the curtain on its new long-haul cabin designs at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, this week. The first major expression of its new ‘Glowing Hearted’ standard design aims to deliver a distinctly Canadian experience, and is the culmination of what the company says its “most significant” cabin investment.“This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada. From the moment of stepping on board, we’re setting a new standard for how Canadians and the world connect with our brand,” said Mark Nasr, Executive VP & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.
“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,” he continued. “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.”
The completely reimagined cabins will appear first this summer on the A321XLR, which offers a true lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class experience for the first time on a single-aisle aircraft.
The airline hails the introduction of the new Airbus A321XLR as a “a game changer,” that will unlock new trans-Atlantic routes and allowing Air Canada to offer an upgraded, premium journey across more of its North America transcontinental network. The new cabin design featuring the exclusive Air Canada Signature Plus Suite will launch when the Boeing 787-10 enters service.
Upgrades across all cabins
Air Canada’s new Glowing Hearted design standard will deliver a range of thoughtful upgrades for every customer, including:
- All-new ergonomic seats designed to maximize personal space with built-in tablet holders, and larger overhead bins.
- Significantly larger 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio available for all customers.
- Access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, ensuring laptops and all personal devices stay fully charged.
- Air Canada Premium Economy cabins will also feature new extended privacy wings for added comfort.
The cabin updates are headlined by distinct premium products that will be available on the airline’s newest aircraft.
On the Airbus A321XLR:
- For the first time on a single-aisle aircraft, Air Canada will introduce 14 lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class seats, setting a new standard for single-aisle comfort on longer journeys.
- 4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch Premium Cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
On the Boeing 787-10:
- Air Canada Signature Plus, a new and exclusive suite at the front of the aircraft, designed for customers seeking an elevated experience with extra space. The suites in the centre of the aircraft also offer companion seats for use while in cruise.
- All four suites include a larger (2-metre/6’5”) bed, quartzite-topped table and a dedicated guest seat, with more space for personal items and a higher wall for additional privacy.
- The two centre suites feature a fully retractable sliding privacy panel, maximizing sociability for up to four customers travelling together.
- 4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 16-inch in Premium Economy, and up to 27-inch in premium cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
Key design features across both aircraft
- Air Canada Signature red stitching and bespoke fabrics provide a subtle Canadian touch paired with a palette of greys and stone.
- Natural wood grain details are complemented by bronze metal accents.
- Leather-grain surfaces and metal finishes reflect deliberate investment in enduring quality, balancing refined aesthetics and durability.
- The new cabin design is inspired by Canada, creating a thoroughly modern space that evokes a sense of calm.
Glowing Hearted experience
- On the Airbus A321XLR, a backlit canopy of maple leaves for an unmistakably Canadian welcome for every customer as they board.
- On the Boeing 787-10, premium customers are greeted by a wave-like entrance monument, inspired by Canada’s waterways and anchored by the Air Canada rondelle cast in bronze.
- To be unveiled later this year, the end-to-end hospitality experience will be distinctly Canadian and include upgraded service, food and beverage elements and elevated amenities.
North American fleet upgrade
In addition to the Glowing Hearted cabins on the A321XLR and 787-10 Dreamliner, Air Canada is also upgrading the interiors on other fleets.
Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will move to the mainline fleet and be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest design standard, while the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will transition to Air Canada Rouge in 2026. This will allow customers flying Rouge leisure and Sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.
Upgrades to the customer experience also extend to the Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation LP, which will be fitted with new cabins, and are now flying with next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi.
Customer experience
Air Canada says it’s commitment to a thoughtful, end-to-end experience extends beyond the cabin. The Glowing Hearted design standard is reflected in the airline’s ongoing investments to elevate its onboard amenities, food and beverage offerings, entertainment and connectivity, and introduce new digital tools. This is particularly evident in the modernized and expanded global lounge network, with new or renovated locations opening this year across Canada and in Europe.
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