Correction: November 30, 2017 - 8:45 AM EDT

TravelPulse Canada's newsletter this morning incorrectly stated that Air Canada's Signature Suite at Toronto Pearson Airport opens today. The suite does indeed open tomorrow, December 1, as stated in this article.

TravelPulse Canada regrets the error in our newsletter.

Original Story:

Deliciously crunchy Korean cauliflower bites, charcuterie with life-changing Grey Owl cheese and a perfectly salted caramel pot…all washed down with an expertly crafted Muskoka Maple and a glass of Moet & Chandon rose - you’d be forgiven if you caught yourself thinking you’re at one of Toronto’s newest restaurants instead of in Terminal 1 at Pearson and that’s what Air Canada is going for. Its new Signature Suite for Premium International Customers opens December 1 and is an exclusive retreat set to compete with business lounges around the globe.

“I think that what we’ve created here, absolutely allows us to do that”, Duncan Bureau, SVP Global Sales at Air Canada said in an interview with TravelPulse Canada. “When Air Canada is looking globally, we always want to be competitive and have a product that compete with any airline in the world. We now have one of the best fleets in the world, one of the best lounge networks in the world and this lounge cobranded with Chef Hawksworth, has just created a great experience.”

The Air Canada Signature Suite is accessible to all full fare paying International Business Class customers, excluding upgrades and most point redemption programs. The 6,400-square-foot suite, conveniently located by Air Canada’s international departure gates at Toronto Pearson Terminal 1, can accommodate up to 160 premium customers and is fully complimentary.

“The Air Canada Signature Suite provides premium Air Canada customers with a luxury experience unrivalled in North America that elevates Air Canada into the ranks of leading global carriers for discerning international travellers. Customers can indulge in a 45 minute à la carte meal service in the suite’s complimentary restaurant or partake of fine wines, champagne and specialty cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere accented with original Canadian art and maple, marble and polished limestone finishes,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.

The space was designed by acclaimed Montreal architecture and design firm Heekyung Duquette and features a mural by renowned Ottawa artist Gavin Lynch; a Cloudscape Chandelier by acclaimed Toronto design firm Moss & Lam and exclusive works by local Montreal artists Pascale Girardin and Nicolas Ruel.

“It’s important we set the expectations from the beginning, said Andrew MacFarlane, Airport Product Design Manager. “This is a full service lounge and we’re really trying to create a 5 star experience. Our staff are trained to determine how much time you have prior to your flight and make dining recommendations based on that.” He says staff are extremely detail orientated, right down to knowing to offer a woman a straw with her cocktail if she’s wearing lipstick.

But you don’t have to eat on the ground to enjoy Chef David Hawksworth’s creations. The owner of Nightingale and Hawksworth at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, has created an onboard menu that will rotate quarterly on international outbound and feature one starter, one main course and a dessert.

Those menu items are designed to ensure customers feel refreshed after eating, rather than feeling heavy. “We’re doing contemporary Canadian with influences – you’re not going to want to eat poutine at 30,000 feet,” said Chef David Hawksworth. “Sodium does make a difference as well, so we try to get more flavor by using things such as jalapeno for example, as things can taste much different in the air.”

The Air Canada Signature Suite will be open 365 days a year, 6:30am to 11:30pm with extended hours as needed due to weather delays.

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