Air Canada's Boeing 787 Dreamliners enhance long-haul travel comfort across international network

The airline currently operates a mix of Boeing 787-8s and -9s totaling about 37 aircraft. These planes are key to Air Canada's strategy for flexible capacity deployment and supporting premium revenue growth while maintaining lower unit costs.

For passengers flying long-haul routes, Air Canada offers three cabin classes on its Dreamliners:

Signature Class features Collins Aerospace Super Diamond pods in a reverse-herringbone layout (1-2-1), providing fully flat beds with direct aisle access—20 seats on the -8 variant and 30 on the -9. Passengers have access to large touchscreens, AC/USB power at every seat, WiFi connectivity across the fleet, upgraded bedding amenities, privacy features (though no sliding doors), and gate-to-gate entertainment.

Premium Economy includes dedicated Recaro-built recliners arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration—21 seats per variant—with increased legroom (38 inches pitch), wider seats (19 inches), additional recline (about five inches), movable legrests, high-definition screens, power outlets at each seat, priority airport services depending on fare class or frequent flyer status, complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights, plus enhanced baggage allowances.

Economy Class is configured in a high-density layout of nine-abreast seating (3-3-3). On the -9 model there are typically around 247 economy seats; on the -8 there are about 214. Features include personal touchscreens at every seat with USB charging/power outlets available throughout; WiFi access; complimentary meals; free beer and wine service; but limited personal space due to seat width constraints common among similar widebody jets.

The Dreamliner’s introduction helped Air Canada extend service reliability year-round even on previously marginal routes while offering competitive comfort levels for both business travelers seeking lie-flat beds or leisure travelers looking for affordable transoceanic options.

In summary: "Relatively few operators have as much of a weapon at their disposal as Air Canada," according to company representatives. "This intercontinental workhorse offers top-of-the-market efficiency while also being a passenger favorite." Signature Class provides lie-flat seating with mood lighting and low-altitude pressurization aimed at improving passenger comfort during ultra-long-haul travel segments.