Route: Ottawa to Toronto
Plane: A320-200 (ex-China Southern)
Date: Jan 18, 2025
Price: $306 + $150 eUpgrade (including four onward flights to Victoria)
Comfort
The Recaro seats had only been re-upholstered 11 months ago and the German company is known for firm padding, so the seats were still firm. I expect this to improve over time. Legroom, particularly in the bulkhead row, was more generous than the newer A220 aircraft. There’s no storage apart from the seat-back pocket, so I just left my bottle of water on the empty neighboring seat during the flight.
This ex-China Southern Airlines plane only has eight seats in business class across two rows, making it feel like a private experience. The only downside is the lack of separation between the classes—there is no curtain.
In-flight entertainment
There was no seat-back screen or In-flight wifi available when I went on this trip. However, Air Canada has promised to install internet connectivity on all flights beginning May 2025. One three-pin outlet and one USB-A port is available per seat for personal devices. The USB port charges so slowly that it’ll only be sufficient to maintain the battery level while the phone is being used.
Food
The only choice was a fresh fruit plate with yogurt and a slice of raspberry cake. I like having my grapefruit, orange, pineapple and melons sliced up for me with a sprinkling of blueberries, it makes me feel like a pampered child.
Service
Despite turbulence throughout the flight, the crew were able to complete full service in business class, including hot drinks when the seat belt sign was briefly turned off. Service was efficient and impeccable, which was partly attributable to the fact that there were only three passengers in the premium cabin.
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