Welcome to Air Canada, the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. From its major hubs in Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR), Air Canada offers a comprehensive network connecting Canada to the world. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, it provides seamless travel options for passengers from India, including non-stop flights to its Canadian hubs. Renowned for its modern fleet, professional service, and the premium Signature Class experience, this guide for 2025 will give you an overview of what to expect when flying with the airline of the Maple Leaf.
Air Canada
| Feature | Details |
| IATA Code | AC |
| Main Hubs | Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR) |
| Airline Alliance | Star Alliance (Founding Member) |
| Loyalty Program | Aeroplan |
| Fleet Size | Over 160 Aircraft (Mainline) |
| Primary Aircraft | Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330, Boeing 737 MAX |
Premium Economy Class
Available on all long-haul wide-body aircraft, Air Canada’s Premium Economy offers a superior level of comfort. In a separate, smaller cabin, passengers enjoy wider seats with more recline and legroom, premium meal service, a larger entertainment screen, and priority airport services.
Signature Class (Business Class): A Private Haven
Air Canada’s premium international business class is known as Signature Class. It features private pods with fully lie-flat beds and direct aisle access for every passenger. The “Executive Pod” design ensures a comfortable and restful journey. The experience is complemented by premium amenities, chef-inspired dining, and access to exclusive Signature Suites on the ground.
Key Takeaways for Travelers from India
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Air Canada is a primary carrier for non-stop flights between India and Canada, a huge advantage for convenience and travel time.
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As a founding member of Star Alliance, it offers excellent integration with partners like Air India.
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The Aeroplan loyalty program is one of the most flexible and valuable in the Star Alliance network.
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Its Signature Class offers a world-class, lie-flat business class experience.
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The airline has a strong focus on safety and a modern, efficient long-haul fleet of Boeing 777s and 787s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a visa to travel to Canada from India?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) to travel to Canada. You must apply for this visa well in advance of your trip through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
2. What is the Air Canada Signature Suite?
The Signature Suite is an exclusive, premium lounge located at Air Canada’s hubs in Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR). It is accessible only to eligible passengers traveling in Signature Class on an international flight (paid fares, not upgrades or most reward tickets). It offers a complimentary, full-service, à la carte dining experience, making it one of the most exclusive airline lounges in North America.
3. If I fly from India to the USA via Canada, do I need a Canadian visa?
Yes, in almost all cases. Unlike many other countries, Canada does not have a sterile international transit program for most nationalities, including Indian citizens. If you have a connecting flight in a Canadian airport on your way to the USA, you will need to clear Canadian immigration. This means you will need a Canadian Transit Visa at a minimum. Always check the official IRCC website for the exact requirements.
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) to travel to Canada. You must apply for this visa well in advance of your trip through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
The Signature Suite is an exclusive, premium lounge located at Air Canada’s hubs in Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR). It is accessible only to eligible passengers traveling in Signature Class on an international flight (paid fares, not upgrades or most reward tickets). It offers a complimentary, full-service, à la carte dining experience, making it one of the most exclusive airline lounges in North America.
Yes, in almost all cases. Unlike many other countries, Canada does not have a sterile international transit program for most nationalities, including Indian citizens. If you have a connecting flight in a Canadian airport on your way to the USA, you will need to clear Canadian immigration. This means you will need a Canadian Transit Visa at a minimum. Always check the official IRCC website for the exact requirements.