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Air Canada has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9, a larger version of the Dreamliner 787-8 already in its fleet. This move that will give the carrier greater range and capacity, enabling the airline to further expand its international network.

“Air Canada is very excited to take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9,” said Benjamin Smith, president, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. “This new aircraft’s larger capacity and greater range will accelerate our international expansion strategy and allow us to offer customers more non-stop services to new international destinations.”

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TORONTO – Air Canada says it will no longer transport big-game hunting trophies after the killing of Cecil the lion drew international attention.

A company spokesman says the airline will no longer carry trophies from lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and water buffaloes.

Peter Fitzpatrick says such shipments have been extremely rare in the past because the company does not operate flights to South Africa, where big-game hunting is a booming industry.

He says the company already complies with existing regulations on transporting endangered wildlife.

The killing of Cecil the lion by a Minnesota dentist in early July cast a spotlight on trophy hunting and sparked a social media outcry.

Zimbabwean authorities have said they will seek the extradition of Walter James Palmer, alleging he shot the lion with a bow and arrow illegally.

Air Canada joins at least a half dozen other airlines that have banned the transportation of big-game trophies in the past two weeks, including Air France, Delta Air Lines and Qantas.

Canadian carrier WestJet Airlines also confirmed it won’t transport “Big Five” hunting trophies.

Other airlines, including Emirates, Lufthansa and British Airways, brought in a similar ban in April.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2146624/air-canada-bans-shipments-of-hunting-trophies-after-killing-of-cecil-the-lion/

Aeroplan Members can now use their miles for the Premium Economy cabin on applicable Air Canada flights when booking a ClassicFlight Reward or a Market Fare Flight Reward.

In Premium Economy, passengers can enjoy superior comfort in a dedicated cabin with premium meal service, enhanced amenities, a larger seat with more recline and extra legroom, as well as priority airport services. Consult the Flight Rewards chart to determine the required mileage level for Premium Economy.

Effective March 1, 2015, Air Canada is pleased to offer the comfort of our International Business Class seats when flying within North America with the introduction of Business Class – Transcontinental. Business Class – Transcontinental will be available on select wide body flights between Toronto and Calgary/Vancouver/Los Angeles/San Francisco, and between Montreal and Vancouver.

Business Class – Transcontinental features Air Canada’s award winning North America Business Class service with the added luxury and privacy of Air Canada International Business Class suite that stretches out to fully lie-flat bed, with oversized pillow, plush duvet blanket and noise cancelling headset. Air Canada is the only airline in Canada to offer such industry leading amenities in Business Class on routes where Business Class – Transcontinental is offered. Look for “Business Class – Transcontinental” when you select your next flight.

Air Canada is currently enhancing the customer experience at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL).  Construction work is taking place to increase the number of self-service check-in kiosks available and provide our customers with a more spacious check-in environment.

In order to ensure a seamless experience, we strongly advise customers departing Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to check in online or on their mobile device prior to arriving at the airport, and also to adhere to the recommended check-in time of 120 minutes prior to flight departure.