summary
- Air Canada has debuted a redesigned Airbus A321 with improved cabin features, including larger overhead bins, in-flight lighting and in-flight entertainment.
- The A321 also features new technology such as external cameras, Bluetooth connectivity and high-speed internet.
- The upgraded cabin design optimizes personal space, improves ergonomics and reduces aircraft weight.
Air Canada debuted its first redesigned Airbus A321 aircraft last weekend, featuring cabin improvements, new Wi-Fi and external cameras connected to the plane’s seatback entertainment system. This update comes as the airline continues to invest in passenger comfort.
The A321 also features larger overhead bins, cabin lighting and in-flight entertainment. The airline announced that all of its A321s and A320s, along with other new aircraft in its fleet, will be retrofitted with new features.
latest cabin
Air Canada on Saturday unveiled its newest aircraft, the C-GITU, which will operate flight AC692 from Toronto to St. John’s. The nearly 22-year-old A321 was grounded for several months for maintenance and cabin upgrades, according to data from ch-aviation and Flightradar24.com.
Photo: Air Canada
Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s executive vice president of loyalty and products, spoke about the refurbished aircraft.
“We are proud to welcome our customers to experience the comfort, convenience and connectivity of our modern cabin. and further strengthen our industry-leading product offering.”
new science and technology
A new external camera feature, a first for a narrow-body aircraft, monitors the aircraft from above the tail. An abdominal camera also provides a high-resolution, real-time view of the plane’s activity. The renovation also incorporates new technology such as Bluetooth connectivity to the IFE and high-speed internet. According to Air Canada, C-GITU will reportedly serve as an in-flight trial environment for new features.
Photo: Air Canada
“Additionally, new features such as an in-flight entertainment system that streams external camera feeds, Bluetooth connectivity and complimentary high-speed internet connectivity will be extremely popular with travelers.” Nasr explained. “We will continue to advance our product leadership by experimenting with even new in-flight experiences on this A321 and extending those learnings to additional aircraft in our fleet.”
The Bluetooth-enabled IFE Seatback Monitor allows passengers to connect their own headsets to watch on-demand video, live TV, listen to podcasts and music. Air Canada said this innovation supports its sustainability goals by reducing the use of disposable headphones. A new WiFi system has also been installed, providing free satellite-based high-speed internet provided by Bell. Additionally, passengers can access her USB-A and USB-C power outlets to keep their devices charged.
cabin comfort
The aircraft also features large Airbus Airspace XL overhead bins, the largest in its class, to accommodate more carry-on luggage. Seats have also been upgraded, with products standardized across the airline’s narrowbody fleet in both business and economy classes. The newly designed seats are expected to optimize personal space, improve ergonomics and provide more storage space to improve passenger comfort. New cabin lighting also improves comfort, simulating different atmospheres depending on the time of day and flight phase.
Air Canada has 14 remaining A321s and eight A320s in its fleet, which will undergo upgrades from this fall until the end of next year. The new cabin also reduces the A321’s weight by 529 pounds (240 kg), improving fuel efficiency.
source: channel airlines, Flightradar24.com
