Canadian carriers roll out new economy amenities amid premium-seat push

Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Porter Airlines have each detailed new economy-class features such as bigger 4K screens, USB-C power ports, tablet holders and updated lighting schemes. John Gradek, a specialist in aviation and McGill University lecturer, argues the upgrades are less about improving the basic travel experience and more about nudging passengers toward premium-economy and extra-legroom seats, which represent the fastest-growing cabin segment.

Air Canada’s A321XLR will host lie-flat seats and its Signature Plus suites on the 787, while Air Transat touts adjustable cabin lighting and reduced noise levels. WestJet’s “transformation” mainly standardises former Swoop and Sunwing aircraft with modest enhancements, and Porter’s lighter seats do not increase legroom. Gradek notes that despite these tech upgrades, Canadian airlines still lag behind top Asian and Gulf carriers and are only marginally better than Europe’s short-haul economy offerings.