Air Canada recently announced it would be revamping and improving its catering offering across a variety of its routes and cabins of service.
The new improvements are scheduled to start rolling out this Spring 2024 – to Air Canada’s Signature Class product as well as its economy offering, and some of its flagship lounge locations.
Commenting on the upcoming changes, the airline’s Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada, Scott O’Leary, stated in the release:
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce these delicious new dining options, featuring homegrown Canadian products and ingredients reflecting the diversity of Canada and our customers’ tastes and preferences….The thought and care we’ve brought to elevating our menus, and bringing fresh new flavours for all, is one of the many ways we’re investing in every aspect of our customers’ journey to make travel even better.”
Improved Economy Cabin Dining Experience
To start, Air Canada will be improving its economy cabin dining experience on international routes as follows:
On flights Originating in Canada
New menu items will include:
- Red Thai chicken and rice
- Chicken cacciatore with roast potatoes and bell peppers.
Where a hot breakfast is also served (generally on longer flights), a new pancake with 100% Canadian maple syrup will be on offer.
On flights Originating in Europe
New menu items will include Monty’s Bakehouse savory pastries, with any of the following filings and flavors:
- Coconut chicken
- Potato sour cream and chive.
Improved Bistro Menu
Air Canada also announced improvements to its Bistro menu. This should hit a flight deck near you in the spring of 2024.
New options available to buy on board will include:
- Roast beef sandwich
- Cheeseburger sliders
- Mediterranean hummus wraps
Improved Premium Cabin Dining Experience
Unsurprisingly, Air Canada Signature Class gets an excellent upgrade to its food offerings. With items drawn from around the world to reflect the diverse network of the airline’s operations.
New items coming in the spring of 2024 include:
- Chicken thigh accompanied by mandi rice and Emirati bzar sauce.
- Roasted salmon in teriyaki sauce with Shandong noodles.
- Middle Eastern mezze plate appetizer.
The Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson International Airport will also receive an upgrade with homegrown Canadian ingredients, including wild-caught Fogo Island cod.
Improved Wine Offering
Air Canada sommelier Veronique Rivest has also selected a new complement of champagne, including the following for international flights.
- Haton Cuvée Classique.
- Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve.
On flights within North America and the Caribbean, the following champagne will be offered:
- Jaillance Brut Traditionnel
- Crémant de Bordeaux AOP
Premium Cabin offering within North America
Air Canada also announced that it will be rolling out improved light meals in its Signature Class premium cabins operating across North America.
New items coming this spring include:
- Warm flatbread with arugula
- Chicken tenders with coleslaw.
- Cobb salad.
- Elevated charcuterie and cheese plates.
- Clafoutis and pancakes with 100% pure Canadian maple syrup.
New Specialty Teas and Snacks
Aside from the wine and food, Air Canada also announced a revamp to its snacks and introducing new specialty teas.
On flights within North America, Buttery Herb and Garlic craft pretzels by TWIGZ from Alberta will now be a complimentary offering.
In addition, the following snacks will be available:
- Sweet Sixteen original candy mix.
- Chomps grass-fed beef jerky.
- Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares with a luscious sea salt caramel filling.
A new selection of teas by Dilmah will also be available. These include the following on International and North American business class routes:
- Ceylon Earl Grey
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Green
- Lemon and Ginger
- Orange Pekoe
Expanding Pre-Order Menus
Air Canada also announced that it will be expanding its pre-order offering this year. However, it has not revealed what new menus will be coming our way. The pre-order service will initially be rolled out to premium cabins on flights with Signature class and a premium Economy Cabin.
Later this year, the airline plans to introduce the option to allow travelers in premium cabins to select their second meal on longer flights.
Final Thoughts
Air Canada seems to be trying to set itself apart from most of its competitors in North America. The fact that Air Canada has decided to up its game when it is already in a good position shows how much the airline is keeping its eye on the ball. The airline is one of our favorites for this reason.
Its Signature Class, which Oscape tried on routes from Sao Paulo to Montreal, Montreal to New York, New York to Montreal, Montreal to Casablanca, and from Toronto to Tokyo in the last year, were all exceptional.
The best time to double down and push your advantage is when you are already ahead of the game. If you were not a big fan of Air Canada already (as we are), then this new announcement may give you a reason to think again.
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