Air Canada took another step forward on its inflight entertainment and connectivity journey over the weekend, as the first A321 with updated systems on board returned to service. The fully retrofit interior offers a bevy of improved passenger experience touchpoints, and more customer-friendly pricing as well.
We’re proud to welcome customers on board to experience the comfort, convenience, and connectivity of our latest cabins. These upgraded fleet interiors will align the A320s and A321s to the highly popular A220 experience, further strengthening our industry leading product offering.
– Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada
Major Entertainment Upgrade
The updated A321 (C-GITU) is flying with a refreshed entertainment system on board. It includes Bluetooth audio as an option at all seats, as well as USB and AC power. Passengers will also have access to live television on board, both within Canada and on transborder routes.
The aircraft also features two HD exterior cameras on board, allowing passengers to watch the flight’s progress. This is a feature typically reserved for wide-body aircraft, though some single-aisle aircraft have (rarely) offered similar in the past.
Faster – and FREE! – internet on board
Upgrading the on-board internet to Intelsat‘s 2Ku solution has been part of the product roadmap for some time. That’s finally now flying, and passengers will have access for free on board.
Previously the carrier activated free messaging level service for travelers associated with the Aeroplan loyalty program or a couple key partners. And earlier this summer it dropped a hint that service would be fully free when its regional jets got their satellite upgrade. There were hints along the way that fully free service might roll out earlier; now we have that confirmed, at least on this A321.
The company does see it as something of a testbed aircraft for IFE/C services. EVP Mark Nasr notes the plane will be used for “trialing more new in-flight experiences with this A321 and expanding those learnings to additional aircraft in our fleet.”
Other interior updates
The plane includes new seats as well as larger overhead bins and LED mood lighting on board.
The improved offerings will continue to roll out across the A320/A321 fleet over the next two years, with completion planned by the end of 2025.
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