Last night Air Canada gave a sneak peek of its brand new Signature Suite in Vancouver to the media and we now know the new lounge will open on March 14. This will be Air Canada’s second Signature Suite in their business class lounge network after the one in Toronto which debuted in 2017.
Recommended Reading: Air Canada debuts Signature Suite for Premium International Customers at Toronto Pearson
Air Canada’s Signature Suites differ from their Maple Leaf lounges in that access is only granted to those who are flying on a paid business class ticket (J, C, D, Z, P booking classes) for international travel to Europe, Asia or Australia. This means Aeroplan (or other Star Alliance) award tickets do not get you access, nor does having elite status.
The new lounge is located in YVR’s D Concourse on the second floor of the International Maple Leaf Lounge. You access the lounge via the same entrance as the Maple Leaf lounge.
Rewards Canada was unable to attend the event last night but Air Canada has been kind enough to provide us with complete details and photos of the lounge as well as a link to a virtual tour of the new space.
Air Canada unveiled its second Air Canada Signature Suite for its eligible Signature Class customers travelling to intercontinental destinations from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airline’s second exclusive airport retreat continues to enhance its award-winning premium offering with another space where eligible customers can relax before their flight from YVR. It features à la carte dining at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by acclaimed Vancouver-Chef David Hawksworth.
The Air Canada Signature Suite officially opens March 14, 2020 and is accessible and fully complimentary to Signature Class customers, excluding upgrades and point redemption programs. The 4,400-square-foot (408 square metres) suite, conveniently located in Air Canada’s international departure area at YVR above the International Maple Leaf Lounge, can accommodate seating for up to 105 premium customers. It hosts a full-service restaurant offering à la carte dining from a Hawksworth-designed menu. The suite also features a cocktail lounge space with full-service bar and a selection of specialty snacks, a quiet sitting area and concierge service.
Other notable features of the Air Canada Signature Suite at YVR include:
· High quality spirits supplied by the airline’s partner Diageo,
Moët & Chandon Champagne (both brut and rosé available) and
Signature cocktails;
· Works of art drawing inspiration from and celebrating the Pacific Coast landscape and waterways include pieces such as Shape Agenda by Vancouver sculptor Jordy Buckles, and photographic work of Montrealer Nicolas Ruel, Victoria Peak.
· Cloudscape chandelier by acclaimed Toronto design firm Moss & Lam;
· Luxury skin care products from Molton Brown.
The interior design is a defining element of the experience
Designers Heekyung Duquette and Eric Majer have created an intimate sequence of spaces. Features of the design offer a retreat from conventional airport frenzy, providing customers with a serene, luxurious atmosphere:
· Arrival is marked by smoked glass walls containing bronze mesh sculptural screens. Customers are greeted by concierges stationed at bronze podiums fronting a luggage checkroom, allowing visitors to explore the space unencumbered.
· Ascending stairs up to the main space brings visitors into abounding natural light and impressive panoramic views of layered feature spaces: bistro, bar, and dining area.
· Locally-produced bronze wall panels exude warmth and luxury, leading to the à la carte dining area and private dining room.
· Telupana Blue stone – quarried on Vancouver Island – delineates and enlivens the bar.
· Sumptuous custom hand-made wool carpet emulates the grey-blue hues of ocean vistas.
· Nature makes its way into the à la carte dining room with a burst of forest flora contained within sculptural vessels that evoke the undulating inlets of the BC coast.
· The dining scene comes alive with glowing cube lamps reflected in glassware, and the expansive view of the tarmac beyond.
· Within this space is a bronze-clad private dining room for a more exclusive dining experience.
· Its smoked glass doors are overlain with a filigree pattern of maple leaves in the wind, another reference to Air Canada imagery.
· Throughout the Signature Suite, a heightened sense of quality is conveyed through the display of noble materials, the intricacy of its details and craftsmanship, as well as proudly showcasing Canadian craftsmanship, furnishings and art.
Recommend Listening: Episode 42 – Meet the Collectors Podcast Edition: Greg LeBlanc – an avid Air Canada Flyer and Aeroplan member (and his review of the Toronto Signature Suite)
Let us know if you are travelling Air Canada in paid business class anytime soon via Vancouver and plan on visiting the new Signature Suite! We’d love to have you do a Lounge Review for us. Simply comment below or email us at info@rewardscanada.ca!
Click here to learn more about the new Air Canada Signature Suite in Vancouver
All images courtesy of Air Canada