It’s been seven years since Air Canada introduced the Boeing 737-8 to its fleet and in that time, it has continued to be a winner for domestic and short-haul international flights, as James Wilkinson discovers.

Air Canada’s domestic and short-haul international Business Class was always popular on the Airbus A319 A320 and A321 fleet thanks to the carrier’s exceptional hospitality and food and drinks offering, but the latest generation product on the Boeing 737-8 has been firmly elevated thanks to comfortable seats and excellent inflight entertainment.

What you’ll find that immediately impresses is the comfort of the new domestic and short-haul Business Class seats.

They have the space, look and feel of an international Premium Economy product – they are 21-inches wide and have a pitch of 38-inches – and offer a decent recline (6-inches), extendable leg rest and also have in-seat power and sturdy, spacious tables.

This is the kind of non-flatbed Business Class product that is enjoyable and ideal for flights like Vancouver to New York, San Francisco to Toronto and other key routes the modern jets are deployed on.

While having only flown the product on day sectors, the seat is fantastic for working and getting a short rest, however you could easily have a solid four hours’ sleep on this plane for a red-eye sector.

When it comes to food and wine, Air Canada’s long-haul Business Class Signature Service has been a winner for years and the quality of the food on the Boeing 737-8 also stands tall, particularly the vegetarian lasagne and the chicken and rice.

On the wine front, a range of international red and white wines are on offer from Argentina, France and more. Again, for a domestic and short-haul Business product, it is very good.

Entertainment is in the form of oversized seatback screens, which feature new release and legendary movies, TV shows and albums, in what is one of easily the best selections in North America.

The Air Canada product rounds out well with the lounges on offer in Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco and more, particularly the latter which recently made a stunning debut.

AIR CANADA’S SAN FRANCISCO LOUNGE

Air Canada opened its brand-new Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport, the airline’s 28th lounge worldwide and its third Maple Leaf Lounge in the United States in mid-2023.

The modern and exclusive respite, located in Terminal 2, features Air Canada’s first outdoor lounge terrace, together with a range of premium amenities, food and beverages, making the travel experience for eligible customers even more comfortable and convenient before their flights to Canada and beyond.

In addition to the range of services and amenities the airline’s Maple Leaf Lounges are known for, the newest Lounge features an expansive outdoor terrace with aircraft and runway views.

The new Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO pays homage to its California location both through its design and decor, and the food and beverage selections presented, which highlight local makers and flavours.

Unique seafood offerings, including the iconic San Francisco fish stew cioppino, will be on offer alongside a selection of California wines, and beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Anchor Brewing, America’s first craft beer.

VANCOUVER’S BRILLIANT CONNECTIONS

If you are travelling via Vancouver to the United States from Australia, Asia and more, you’ll find a fast and efficient transit that includes USA Pre-Clearance in Canada before you board your next flight and save up to hours of wait times on the other end.