Air Canada yesterday unveiled a new livery design set to be rolled out across its entire fleet, along with new uniforms for its staff and a refreshed onboard menu all marking the country’s 150th anniversary year.
The Canadian carrier’s 300 aircraft will all receive a new look comprising a black-and-white design along with the return of an encircled version of its signature red maple leaf logo on the tail fin, last utilised by the airline 24 years ago.
The new design was created to reflect the country’s changing seasons, wildlife and First Nations heritage and the first three aircraft to sport the new look – including its Boeing 787 Dreamliner – have entered service. The carrier has a further 14 Dreamliners on order, planned for delivery by 2019.
In line with the new livery, Air Canada’s flight staff has also had a uniform update to reflect the new colour scheme. The refreshed attire features charcoal grey and black with red accents – colours matching the new interior cabin design of the airline’s international fleet – and accessories developed by Canadian designer Christopher Bates. The uniform is set to roll out later this year, though the carrier has not provided a firm date at this point.
“Air Canada’s new livery signals a pivotal inflection point in our 80-year history,” said Benjamin Smith, president, passenger airlines. “On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary year, with our new livery, new uniforms for our employees, the award-winning international cabin standard introduced with the launch of our B787 aircraft, and enhanced onboard offerings, the future Air Canada represents the strength of our nation and the future-looking spirit of our airline.”
Meanwhile, in April Air Canada will also be rolling out a new in-flight menu that includes Lavazza Italian coffee, Toronto-based Dufflet Pastries’ pumpkin spice loaf (on flights to Europe in economy and premium economy), Quebec artisanal bread and a selection of Quebec fine cheeses. International business class passengers, meanwhile, will also be offered new wine options, including white wine from Vineland Estates Winery from Ontario’s Niagara region and a French pinot noir, Les Athlètes du Vin, both selected by sommelier Véronique Rivest.
Air Canada is planning to launch a number of new international routes in 2017, among them Asia-Pacific services including Montreal-Shanghai, Vancouver-Taipei and Vancouver-Nagoya.
