Air Canada has announced that the new Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson International Airport will be opening tomorrow, Friday, September 6, 2019. This is yet another new lounge concept the airline is introducing, following the introduction of the incredible Air Canada Signature Suite last year.
What Is Air Canada Cafe?
Air Canada Cafe will offer customers a wide selection of specialty beverages, either to be enjoyed in the lounge, or to be taken to go. They describe the space as a relaxed, bistro-style setting.
The cafe will have seating for 109 people and will offer power and USB ports, free Wi-Fi, access to digital newspapers and magazines, and more. It’s essentially an airline lounge with an emphasis on good drinks, and where you’re encouraged to take stuff to-go (within reason, presumably).
Andrew Yiu, Air Canada’s VP of Product, had the following to say:
“We are thrilled to unveil this innovative product, one we are sure will create buzz not only for our customers, but the entire industry. Air Canada’s premium clientele will have access to this new Café, revolutionizing the coffee shop experience at Toronto Pearson. It will offer a wide selection of beverages and food that can be taken to go.”
Here’s a video tour of the cafe:
What Food & Drinks Are Available At Air Canada Cafe?
Passengers will be able to visit the barista station for freshly squeezed orange juice, a selection of Lavazza Coffee, Lavazza Cold Brew, cold brew mocktails, and specialty hot drinks.
There will also be a self serve station including things like:
- Greenhouse Juice products, such as kombucha
- Avariety of organic, cold-press juices in individual-size bottles
- Coffee, tea, flavored water, soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages
- Items like Lindt truffle chocolates, OKA fin cheese, and Gouter premium pastries
In addition to the above:
- Before 11AM the cafe will offer breakfast foods, such as yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastries
- After 11AM, the cafe will offer an assortment of salads, sandwiches, cheeses, and more
Where Is Air Canada Cafe Located?
Air Canada Cafe is located in the domestic terminal at Toronto Pearson Airport, near gate D20. It complements the existing domestic Maple Leaf Lounge in the terminal, and my understanding is that it has the same access requirements.
My Take On Air Canada Cafe
I love the concept Air Canada is going for here. Historically airlines have encouraged passengers to arrive early to use lounges, and have even prohibited passengers from removing any food or drinks from the lounge.
I love to see an airline introduce a concept promoting exactly the opposite. Just because you don’t have a lot of time to kill doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t appreciate a good coffee or juice to go.
In many ways this sounds like an evolved version of the Lufthansa Delights To Go concept that we’ve seen in Munich, where eligible premium passengers can get a meal to go.
So I’m a fan of this concept from Air Canada. Not only do I love an airline focusing on providing proper, barista-made coffee, but I also like to see them encouraging taking a drink to go.
What do you make of the Air Canada Cafe concept?
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