Air Canada Is Bringing First-Class Dining To All Seats — Economy Included

Air Canada knows one way to passengers' hearts is through their stomachs. The company has revamped its onboard menu, introducing over 100 new seasonal dishes designed to tempt even the pickiest eaters. That means first-class dining will be available across all cabin classes, making every seat feel just a bit fancier.

The menu additions complement the largest in-flight bar offering of any North American airline, allowing passengers to enjoy snacks and drinks that would be just as at home in a high-end bistro as they are at 30,000 feet.

From runway to gourmet

Air Canada’s culinary refresh is not a solo flight. The airline has partnered with award-winning Canadian chefs David Hawksworth, Vikram Vij, and Jérôme Ferrer. They've infused the menu with flavours, textures, and ingredients that adapt well at high altitudes, with an emphasis on Canadian ingredients and products.

Pesto penne and other meals now offered by Air Canada for economy class. Right: Cheeseburger sliders from the upgraded Bistro menu.@aircanada | Instagram

In Economy Class, international travellers can taste the world with dishes like red Thai chicken and rice, and chicken cacciatore. The menu is rounded out with regional appetizers and Chef Ferrer’s classic pesto penne. There are also new breakfast dishes like pancakes with pure Canadian maple syrup and pastries from Monty's Bakehouse, including coconut chicken and potato sour cream and chive, to complement existing appetizers like soba noodles and chaat.

Premium cabin passengers have more reasons to look forward to their flights too. The Air Canada Signature Class menu features international dishes, like roasted salmon in teriyaki sauce with Shandong noodles. If you're lucky enough to fly international business class, you're in for a treat with options like Emirati spiced chicken mandi and Middle Eastern mezze.

On flights under two hours, business class passengers will get upgraded light meals with warm flatbread with arugula, chicken tenders with coleslaw, cobb salad, and a charcuterie and cheese plate. Morning flights will serve a parsley omelet with chicken sausage, along with clafoutis and pancakes.

More than a packet of peanuts

But the upgrades extend beyond main meals. Air Canada is introducing a range of new nibbles, including artisanal TWIGZ Pretzels and luxury chocolates.

A bistro menu update, rolling out in spring 2024, also broadens the range of buy-on-board options, including peppercorn roast beef sandwiches, cheeseburger sliders, and new vegan selections like Mediterranean hummus wraps.

A selection of liquors, beers and champagne. Right: Snacks offered on Air Canada flights.@aircanada | Instagram

The new beverage lineup doesn't disappoint either, featuring top-shelf options like premium champagnes and sparkling waters for passengers to toast their travels. Specifically, international flights will now offer Haton Cuvée Classique and Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve champagnes, while flights within North America and the Caribbean can enjoy Jaillance Brut Traditionnel, a celebrated Crémant de Bordeaux AOP known for its delicate "fines bulles."

Quebec's Montellier sparkling water will make its debut in premium cabins, along with Campari. You can order Canadian-owned Tequila Tromba in all cabins including the Bistro.

For those who prefer a cuppa over a cocktail, there’s a new range of premium teas from Dilmah, including flavours like Ceylan Earl Grey and pure peppermint.

Air Canada is also extending its pre-order meal service across North America, letting travellers choose their meals in advance, ensuring that everyone receives their preferred dish and reducing waste

Next time you're aboard an Air Canada flight, you might just forget you're eating in economy class, not a downtown Montreal restaurant — until the person in front reclines their seat, that is.