Air Canada rouge (ACr) is introducing a new Business Class seat in the Premium rouge cabin throughout its entire A319 fleet.
The new J seats will be arranged in a 2×2 configuration and will replace the current 3×3 configuration which features a blocked middle seat. The ACr 319s will have a total of 136 seats (12J and 124Y) – the all-Y 142 seat configuration has been discontinued as of 18MAY.
The new seats are virtually identical to the Premium rouge seats on ACr 763s and substantially similar to Air Canada’s narrow body J seats.
Developed by B/E Aerospace’s Spectrum First, the seats were previously flown by the mainline but have been completely refurbished. They now offer a 36” pitch, a 5” recline and an 18” width between armrests. Features include 3 prong and USB outlets; a 4-way articulating headrest; a pull-out cocktail tray and a coat hook. The seats will also include one white Y pillow – the burgundy pillows will no longer be available.
There will also be customer experience enhancements on board all ACr aircraft (A319 and B763) such as new iPad Air 2 tablets with increased content; enhanced streaming, multi-language IFE; and larger overhead bins (on A319 only). Customers flying to Cuba and the Dominican Republic will also receive Premium rouge service whereas before they only had Y service.
Reconfiguration has begun and is expected to be completed by mid-June 2015.