Cabins and livery change as ex-UK services increase
- ‘proud wings’ relaunch
- 15m investment
- improved UK-Canada schedule with British Airways
- new aircraft livery
- extra 10ins for a 60ins business seat pitch
- lap-top power points in business class. Limited power point access in economy
- improved food choice
- greater drinks selection
- upgraded lounges in Canada
- new staff uniforms
- May deadline for refurbishment of fleet
CANADIAN Airlines has invested £15m revamping its cabins and livery as part of a dramatic new look for its aircraft.
The ‘Proud Wings’ upgrade and increased co-operation with Oneworld partner British Airways is primarily designed to take business class passengers from Star Alliance rival Air Canada this year.
Managing director Europe, Middle East and Africa Gary Cross said: “The refurbished Boeing 767s will come into the UK next month. This is an additional step in our continued pursuit of the business-travel market.”
Premium cabin seat pitch is increased from 50ins to 60ins for transatlantic services.
Passengers will be able to make up their own menus, seats will have power points for lap-tops and airport lounges have been updated to offer more services.
The economy cabins will also be upgraded at the same time, giving passengers access to lap-top connections.
The airline intends to repaint aircraft with a light blue Canada Goose design which will replace its grey, blue and red triangle design.
By summer 2000, Canadian will have an all B767 fleet serving the UK after the retirement of DC-10s.
To celebrate the overhaul Canadian and its codeshare partner BA will be increasing flights from Heathrow to Vancouver and Calgary this summer.
Canadian’s Calgary service rises from seven to nine weekly. Joint Vancouver flights with BA rise from 14 weekly to 15.
Cross said he intended further enhancements by making Heathrow-Calgary services double-daily in the future.
He is also planning to increase Heathrow flights to Ottawa by one a week to four weekly this summer.
If slots are available at Heathrow for the winter, the Oneworld carrier will also launch Heathrow services to Halifax and St John’s to compete with Air Canada.
Cross said an application is in with the Canadian authorities to compete with Air Canada on the Heathrow-Delhi route.
He added the relaunch of flights from Manchester is under consideration as part of Oneworld discussions, but the emphasis is being put on Heathrow services this year.
From February 1, Canadian’s frequent flyers will be able to earn points on all Oneworld airlines.
‘Proud Wings’ upgrade targets business-travel market