Review Inaugural Flight AC17: Air Canada, 787–9, Business Class Vancouver (YVR) – Manila(MNL)
- Ladi
- Apr 6
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Airline: Air Canada
Partnership: Star Alliance
Flight: AC17
Duration: 13 hours 20 Mins
Plane: Boeing 787 - 9
Seat: 6D
WiFi: Yes
Inflight Entertainment: High-Definition touchscreen
Inflight Meal: Dinner, Snacks, and Breakfast
Snacks: Mid-Flight – Wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chips, granola bars, chocolate bars (Lindt dark and Kit-Kat) and Chicken Pot Pie.
Cost for this ticket: $980 + 17 e-upgrade points
Base Miles Earned: 6549
Rating: 8.4
Checkin and Boarding : 8
Seating Area: 9
Cabin Service: 8
In-Flight Entertainment: 9
Meals and Snacks: 8
Introduction
🚨✈️ April 2, 2025 marked a historic milestone for Air Canada, YVR Airport, MNL (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)—and for me personally. It was the airline’s first-ever nonstop flight from Vancouver to the Asia region, landing in Manila after 13 hours and 05 minutes(15 mins early) aboard the beautiful Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. We flew on aircraft C-FVNB (FIN857), featuring Air Canada’s special "Congratulations" livery—a perfect fit for such a landmark occasion. Not sure if it was by design or happy coincidence, but either way, it felt right. 🙌
Starting May 1, this route will offer four nonstop flights a week:
📅 YVR ➡️ MNL: Tues, Thurs, Fri,
Sun📅 MNL ➡️ YVR: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
I even spotted some Super Elites onboard, including Geoffrey Christie, admin of the Facebook group “Air Canada Elite Member.” He flew the inaugural flight both ways, and somehow didn’t even get time for a Jeepney ride in Manila!
Pictured here are some of the fellow travelers who made it all the more special: (Form right to left) Glen, Unnamed, Pete, Daphane and myself.
Check-in and Boarding (8/10)
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 2:00 AM, and thankfully, The Lounge extended its hours to accommodate this super-early (or super-late?) departure. The check-in process couldn’t have been smoother—straight to the counter, ticket in hand, and through security by 10:00 PM with zero hassle. After security, I headed to the lounge to catch up with a few friends. The energy was electric—you could feel the buzz of this inaugural flight. That excitement only amplified once we arrived at the gate. 🎥📸 A full-on celebration was underway with film crews, cameras, and a live DJ setting the mood. Executives from Air Canada, and YVR Airport Authority were on hand to deliver speeches, celebrate the milestone, and send off the passengers, crew, and aircraft in style. It was truly a spectacle—and yes, I’ve got the photos and video to prove it! Here’s a fun twist: I got upgraded! I was originally #3 on the upgrade list with only one seat available, but thanks to a last-minute cancellation on a connecting flight, five additional spots opened up. That bumped me right into J Class (Business). 🙌 Boarding was quick and efficient, with a well-staffed gate team keeping things running smoothly. I was among the first to board and wasted no time settling into my seat for this historic journey.
Seat Area (9/10)
Aircraft interior characteristics | Air Canada Signature Class | Premium Economy | Economy Class |
Number of Seats | 30 | 21 | 247 |
Configuration | 1x2x1 | 2x3x2 | 3x3x3 |
Rows | 1 - 8 | 12 - 14 | 18 - 46 |
Seat Pitch | Individual pod | 96.5 cm (38 in) | 78.7 cm (31 in) |
Seat Width | 53.3 cm (21 in) | 49.5 cm (19 in) | 43.2 cm (17 in) |
Seat Recline | Fully lie-flat bed | 17.8 cm (7 in) | 12.7 cm (5 in) |
Air Canada currently operates 31 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, all configured the same way. The aircraft for this inaugural flight—Fin 857, registered C-FVNB—was delivered in May 2018 and dressed for the occasion in the "Congratulations" livery. The Signature Class (Air Canada’s business class) is configured in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger. The seats are the well-regarded Rockwell Collins Super Diamond product, known for comfort and privacy. Each seat is 21 inches (53 cm) wide, and there are 30 Signature Class seats on the 787-9, which is the stretched version of the 787-8.
On this flight, the business cabin was fully booked—except for one seat, which I was told was held for the Pilots crew (8K), I didn’t see it being used. I did manage to get a solid 6 hours of sleep. Originally, I was assigned seat 6G, but in all the excitement, I accidentally settled into 6D—and thankfully, Daphne was kind enough not to make a fuss about switching. I was already "tucked in" and ready to go! One thing I’ve noticed (and felt again on this flight) is how eerie it can feel flying through total darkness for nearly the entire trip. I had a similar experience on the inaugural flight to Singapore almost a year ago. It’s a strange sensation, but also oddly calming—just you, the stars (somewhere out there), and the gentle hum of the Dreamliner. 🌌✈️
Seat 6D turned out to be a fantastic choice—it came with dedicated overhead bin space right above, which is a huge win when traveling with carry-ons. Its location, toward the middle-rear of the Business Class cabin, offered the best of both worlds: easy access to both front and rear lavatories, as well as the snack station at the front.
What really made this spot shine was the low foot traffic—perfect for a calm and quiet flight experience.
Being able to use either bathroom was a big plus, especially since both were equidistant from my seat. I personally found the rear lavatory more spacious, and I’ll include a few comparison photos later to show why it stood out.
Pro tip for fellow travelers: from past experience flying to Seoul (ICN), I recommend avoiding seats 2D, 2G, 3D, and 3G. These center seats don’t have dedicated overhead storage, meaning you’ll have to share with window seat passengers, which can be a bit inconvenient—especially on a long-haul.
Overall, the seat was very comfortable, offering all the standard features you'd expect from Air Canada's Signature Class.
As I’ve mentioned in past reviews of similar seats, the adjustable armrest is a nice touch. You can raise it for added support or lower it to create more space—especially helpful when you're settling in for a nap. The “massage” function is more of a light, variable pressure adjustment than an actual massage, but it adds a subtle layer of comfort.
Naturally, the seat converts into a fully lie-flat bed, and the provided blanket, pillow, and mattress pad made for a cozy rest.
One of the standout features is the generous counter space, which is great for keeping your essentials organized. That said, it’s easy to forget small items in all the various compartments—so I always recommend doing a final sweep before disembarking. Personally, I like to keep everything in one place using the cubby hole under the counter, which also houses the remote control for the IFE system.
A clever detail: part of the counter lifts up to reveal a hidden storage compartment, and inside you’ll find:
🔌 A 110V AC outlet
🔋 A USB port
🎧 A headphone jack
This space is ideal for storing and charging your electronics throughout the flight, keeping everything secure and within reach.
While the entertainment screen is touch-enabled, having the remote tucked into the cubby is super handy when you’re fully reclined—it saves you from leaning forward to tap the screen, especially during a long movie marathon or when adjusting settings in bed mode.
The touchscreen controls for the lighting, service button, and seat controls are on the chair's armrest.
The reading light attached to the headrest turned out to be a really thoughtful feature. It’s especially handy during nighttime flights when you want to read or work without flooding your space—or your neighbor’s—with overhead light.
Unlike the traditional overhead light, this headrest-mounted light offers better flexibility and angle control, letting you focus the beam exactly where you need it. Whether you're flipping through a book, jotting down notes, or working on your laptop, it provides just the right amount of illumination without disturbing the cabin’s calm nighttime vibe.
A small detail, but one that really enhances the personalized comfort in Air Canada's Signature Class.
Cabin Services (8/10 Points)
Cabin Staff
The crew on this flight truly went above and beyond, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm that reflected the excitement of this historic inaugural journey. You could tell it was a special occasion for them too—a milestone moment in Air Canada’s history, and they were proud to be part of it.
Service throughout the flight was outstanding, led by the ever-professional and warm Judy (who also participated in the Singapore inaugural fight a year ago), who personally introduced herself at the start. That simple gesture added a thoughtful, human touch to the experience—something that really stands out on long-haul flights.
There were also little service details that made a difference. For example, the offer to hang up my jacket—a small but appreciated courtesy that hasn’t always been consistent on previous flights. And toward the end of the journey, the inflight director made a personal visit to thank me for flying with them and to ask about my experience.
These small, genuine interactions elevated the entire experience. It’s moments like these that leave a lasting impression and truly reflect the pride Air Canada staff take in their work—especially on such a landmark occasion.
Amenity Kit
Air Canada has recently stepped up its game with the introduction of Acqua di Parma amenity kits in Signature Class—a welcome and stylish upgrade from previous offerings.
The new bright yellow pouches are not only eye-catching but also larger and more practical, which I personally love. Their increased size means they're far more likely to be repurposed post-flight—whether for toiletries, tech accessories, or travel essentials.
Inside, the kit is well-stocked with high-quality items, including:
🧦 Soft socks
😴 A comfortable eye mask
🔇 Ear plugs
🧴 Acqua di Parma hand cream & lip balm
🪥 A full dental kit (toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss)
🧽 A glass cleaning cloth (perfect for glasses or screens)
It’s a thoughtfully curated kit that strikes a nice balance between functionality and luxury—exactly what you'd hope for on a long-haul flight.
Restrooms
The restrooms on Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 are well-designed and practical, offering a pleasant experience for long-haul travel.
They’re comfortably sized for a widebody aircraft and feature a nice touch of design flair—one wall is decorated with a subtle grey wallpaper pattern of tree branches and maple leaves(OH Canada), adding a distinctly Canadian and calming aesthetic.
Of the two Business Class lavatories, the rear restroom on the right side stands out. It includes a window, which not only brings in natural light but also makes the space feel more open and airy. It also appeared slightly more spacious compared to the front restroom, which lacks a window.
Both restrooms were well-stocked with amenities like hand wash and hand cream, and I was impressed with how clean and well-maintained they remained throughout the flight. Plus, there’s plenty of headroom—even for taller passengers—as shown in the photos.
Small details like these make a big difference in the overall comfort and experience on long-haul journeys.
In-flight Wi-Fi
On May 15, 2023, Air Canada made a notable leap forward in passenger connectivity by announcing free in-flight messaging for all Aeroplan members. This move allows travelers to stay in touch during flights using popular apps like WhatsApp, Viber, iMessage, and Google Chat—a huge win for staying connected at 30,000+ feet.
Looking ahead, full Wi-Fi services are set to roll out on North America and Sun destination routes by May 2025, with an ambitious expansion planned for long-haul international flights in 2026.
This initiative is currently sponsored by Bell, helping to keep passengers connected without adding to their travel expenses. It’s a smart move by Air Canada and a strong signal that digital convenience in the sky is becoming a new standard.
Entertainment (9/10 points)
As I’ve mentioned in earlier reviews, Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment system continues to be one of the strong points of their long-haul experience. The 18-inch HD touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, offering a rich catalog of content—everything from Hollywood blockbusters and global cinema to TV series, music playlists, podcasts, and games. Whether you're a binge-watcher, a casual viewer, or just looking to pass time, there's definitely something for everyone.
One feature that really caught my attention is the "Watch with Friends" option in the movie section. This unique perk lets you sync a movie with up to three companions onboard—essentially hosting a movie night at 30,000+ feet. It’s a clever, social twist that brings a more connected, shared experience to air travel.
In Business Class, Air Canada provides noise-canceling headphones, which do a decent job, though I’d rate them as average—especially when compared to my personal collection. Recently, I upgraded to the Apple AirPods Max, and I’m absolutely loving them. The 20-hour battery life and next-level noise cancellation really elevate the in-flight listening experience.
Meals and Snacks (8/10 points)
This flight included a complete dinner meal with a mid-flight snack and breakfast.
This flight included a full dinner, mid-flight snack, and breakfast service—Air Canada continues to elevate its in-flight dining game.
For the main course, the options were genuinely appealing:
🥩 Slow Braised Beef
🍗 Creamy Tuscan Chicken
🐟 Green Curry Sablefish
🍛 Chicken Adobo
I originally chose the Chicken Adobo, but when the crew ran out by the time they reached Daphne—who was technically in my original seat—I offered her my Adobo and switched to the Creamy Tuscan Chicken instead (seemed only fair!).
The Creamy Tuscan Chicken was flavorful, but I found it a bit spicier than expected, which might be a plus for some travelers, but for me, it was a little over the top heat-wise. Still, I appreciated the sauce's richness and the dish's overall quality.
In-flight Snack
Following the dinner service, an assortment of snacks was available at the front of the cabin near seats 2D and 2G. The snack selection included Miss Vickie's original flavor chips, Lindt dark chocolate bars, Made Good Granola bars, and Kit-Kat bars. I was also pleased to see the return of the basket of fruit, a welcome addition from Air Canada.
For those seeking a heartier option, chicken pot pie with potato wedges and dark chocolate was also available upon request. While I'm no expert on chocolate pairing with savory dishes, I couldn't help but think that a Kit-Kat bar might be a more fitting choice alongside the Chicken Pot Pie.
Just before landing, breakfast was served with two options:
🍜 Singapore noodles with overnight oats
🍳 Omelette with turkey breakfast sausage
Without a second thought, I went for the Singapore noodles, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly fresh for airplane food. Honestly, I’d recommend the noodles over the omelette any day if you’re flying in the near future and have the choice.
It was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible flight. ✈️👌
Conclusion
Air Canada’s new non-stop service from Vancouver to Manila delivers an impressive combination of convenience, comfort, and premium service aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Whether you're traveling for business, reconnecting with family, or exploring new destinations, this route promises a seamless and enjoyable experience.
More than just a flight, this launch marks a significant step in Air Canada’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Manila is a key destination, reflecting the strong cultural, familial, and economic connections between Canada and the Philippines. This service not only benefits the large Filipino-Canadian community, but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cross-cultural exchange between the two countries.
A milestone worth celebrating—and a route worth flying. 🇨🇦✈️🇵🇭
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