Air Canada has revealed its most significant cabin investment to date, unveiling a new generation of long-haul interiors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo that it says will redefine the passenger experience and support its global expansion strategy.
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The overhaul introduces a new design standard, dubbed “Glowing Hearted,” aimed at delivering a distinctly Canadian onboard experience focused on comfort, craftsmanship and connectivity across all cabins.
“This investment is about fundamentally redefining the experience of flying with Air Canada,” said Mark Nasr, the airline’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “From the moment of stepping on board, we’re setting a new standard for how Canadians and the world connect with our brand.”
The redesigned interiors will first appear on Air Canada’s incoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft later this year, marking the airline’s first introduction of lie-flat business class seats on a single-aisle jet. The move is expected to open new transatlantic routes while upgrading premium offerings on North American transcontinental services.
A second phase will coincide with the arrival of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, which will feature a new flagship product — the Signature Plus Suite — positioned at the front of the aircraft.
Air Canada said the new interiors will deliver improvements for all passengers, including redesigned ergonomic seating, larger overhead bins, and upgraded inflight entertainment systems featuring 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio.
Passengers across all cabins will also gain access to USB-C and AC power at every seat, while premium economy will include enhanced privacy features.
The airline is placing particular emphasis on its premium offering. On the A321XLR, 14 lie-flat Signature Class seats will be installed — a rare feature for narrowbody aircraft.
On the 787-10, the new Signature Plus Suite will offer larger beds measuring up to two metres, quartzite-topped tables and increased personal space. Select centre suites will include retractable privacy panels, allowing groups travelling together to share a more social experience.
Screen sizes will also increase significantly, reaching up to 27 inches in premium cabins.
Across both aircraft types, Air Canada said the interiors draw heavily on national identity, with a palette of greys and stone accented by signature red stitching, natural wood textures and bronze finishes.
Design features include a maple leaf canopy installation on the A321XLR and a sculptural entrance feature on the 787-10 inspired by Canadian waterways.
The airline added that a broader onboard service refresh — including food, beverages and amenities — will be announced later this year.
Beyond new aircraft, Air Canada confirmed a broader fleet reconfiguration is already in progress.
Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft currently operated by Air Canada Rouge will be transferred to the mainline fleet and retrofitted with the new cabin standard. Meanwhile, Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will shift to Rouge operations from 2026, where passengers will gain upgraded interiors and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Regional aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation LP are also being fitted with new cabins and next-generation connectivity.
The airline said the investment forms a key pillar of its “New Frontiers” strategy, aimed at positioning Air Canada among the world’s leading global carriers.
