We took our first-ever Air Canada flight on 13 May 2025, flying non-stop from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Vancouver (YVR). This direct route, operated four times a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, was launched in April 2024. The B787-9 aircraft features 30 seats in Business (the airline refers to it as Signature Class), 21 Premium Economy seats, and 247 Economy seats.
Our international flights were sponsored by Air Canada, but all views expressed in this article are entirely our own.
The flight from Singapore to Vancouver typically takes around 14 hours and 15 minutes, while the journey back is longer, averaging 16 hours and 10 minutes. Despite being a full flight, the journey in Economy Class was relatively comfortable. This flight is shorter than flying from Singapore to Los Angeles.
Many passengers onboard were connecting from Air India flights. Flight AC20 is scheduled to leave Singapore at 9.10 am and arrive in Vancouver at 8.50 am on the same day. Although our departure was delayed to 10.15 am, we landed ahead of schedule at 8.37 am.
Travelling from Asia to North America often feels like you’ve gained an entire day. Thanks to the time difference and direction of travel, you’ll usually arrive on the same calendar day you departed, despite spending over a dozen hours in the air. It’s one of the longest travel days you’ll ever have, both in terms of flight duration and how it plays tricks on your body clock.
To soften the blow of potential jet lag, it’s wise to get as much rest as possible during the flight. Even a few hours of quality sleep can make a big difference in helping you adjust once you land. Consider using a neck pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask to maximise comfort. And avoid too much caffeine or screen time if you’re hoping to nod off.
Air Canada Wins Best Airline in North America at 2025 Skytrax Awards with 9 Global Honours
[Updated 18 June 2025] Air Canada has been crowned the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held during the Paris Air Show. Based on feedback from 22 million global travellers, the airline secured a total of nine awards, including accolades for its Toronto Signature Suite’s dining, its premium and business class catering, and Best Cabin Crew in both Canada and North America. Its Rouge subsidiary was also named Best Low-Cost Airline in Canada. Air Canada also took home additional honours for the Most Family Friendly Airline in North America, Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America, Best Business Class Onboard Catering in North America, and Best Business Class Lounge in North America.
CEO Michael Rousseau credited the airline’s 40,000-strong team for delivering standout service and reaffirmed Air Canada’s ongoing commitment to improving customer experience through innovations such as free Wi-Fi, enhanced entertainment, revamped lounges, and a more seamless travel experience.
Air Canada’s B787-9 Economy Class Cabin
International Economy Class features a 3-3-3 seating layout, offering 31 inches of pitch, 17 inches of seat width, and adjustable headrests. The seat reclines up to 5 inches. Each seat comes with a personal touchscreen TV, 110-volt in-seat power for laptops (no adaptor required), and USB ports for charging your devices. A pillow and blanket are provided at your seat upon boarding, though the blanket is on the smaller side. Be sure to wear something comfy that won’t make you too warm, such as sweatpants and a lightweight jacket with a hoodie to keep your head cosy and help you sleep better. Alternatively, bring a large, thick scarf for extra warmth.
At 1.74m tall, I found the legroom fairly comfortable for the length of the flight. I’d had some doubts beforehand, considering the long-haul journey, but it was better than I expected. Thankfully, the passenger in front didn’t recline her seat, which definitely helped.
The Inflight Entertainment onboard Air Canada’s B787-9
Air Canada’s Panasonic ex3 inflight entertainment system has been recognised for its excellence, winning the APEX Best in Entertainment award for North America in 2024. Every seat on Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 comes with a personal touchscreen offering over 3,500 hours of entertainment. Passengers can enjoy a wide selection of movies in multiple genres and languages, binge-worthy TV shows, curated music playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks for all ages. There are also interactive games suitable for both kids and adults.
To enhance the in-flight experience, Air Canada partners with content platforms like Apple TV+, Disney+, Audible, and Hayu, giving travellers access to exclusive programming not found on all airlines.
Air Canada passengers can also stay connected to real-time news and live sports throughout their flight with access to Live TV channels such as TSN, RDS, Sportsnet, CTV News Channel, and BNN. This feature ensures that travellers can keep up with major events even while cruising at 30,000 feet.
Panasonic’s new Astrova IFE System
One of the highlights of our Air Canada flight from Toronto to Vancouver on board its A321 aircraft was the impressive new Panasonic Astrova inflight entertainment system. It boasts a crisp 4K OLED HDR10+ screen, fast-charging USB and USB-C ports neatly positioned beneath the display alongside the headphone jacks, and even lets you connect your own Bluetooth headphones for high-fidelity audio.
For the aviation geeks onboard, the live camera views from the aircraft’s tail and undercarriage offer a captivating perspective to enjoy throughout the flight. It’s a clear example of thoughtful design by the team at Panasonic Avionics.
In May last year, Air Canada announced a deal with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to roll out Astrova across more than 80 aircraft starting in 2025. The system will be installed as factory-fit on new Boeing 787-10s, Airbus A220-300s, and A321 XLRs, and retrofitted on existing A321 aircraft.
If only this IFE system was available on Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Streaming Quality Internet Service on Air Canada
Since May, Air Canada has introduced high-speed, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi with streaming capabilities, free for Aeroplan Members through a partnership with Bell.
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty programme was honoured at the 34th annual Freddie Awards, held on 30 April 2025 in Chicago. It picked up three major accolades: Best Programme of the Year (Airline), Best Elite Programme (Airline), and Best Promotion (Airline) for its 40th Anniversary campaign.
Non-members can still access the service by paying a fee. However, on our recent round-trip flight between Singapore and Vancouver, complimentary streaming Wi-Fi wasn’t available. Only basic text messaging with no attachments was offered. The airline plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.
Access is limited to one device at a time, but you can log out and reconnect on a different device if needed.
Air Canada has been upgrading all eligible aircraft across its mainline fleet, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express CRJ900s with the latest and most reliable Wi-Fi systems. As of 1 May 2025, 88% of the fleet has been equipped, with full installation expected by early 2026. Currently, this service is available on all flights within North America, as well as on routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Air Canada is currently in the process of securing certification to install Wi-Fi on its Air Canada Express Q400 fleet operating out of Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ). The first phase of installation is slated to begin later in 2025.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan shared “Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies. Although other Canadian airlines have announced free Wi-Fi services, not all have accelerated installation across their fleets or committed to offering the service comprehensively”
Dining onboard AC20 – SIN – YVR
There are two meal services and a mid-flight snack when flying between Singapore and Vancouver. All meals and snacks are complimentary on international long-haul flights.
Lunch is served shortly after departure and includes a salad, warm bread roll, a hot main course, and dessert. The mains, catered by dnata, featured two options: Vegetable Chettinad Masala with jeera rice and aloo mutter, or Sweet and Sour Chicken with Chinese-style mixed vegetables and steamed white rice. Dessert was a surprisingly tasty pineapple biscuit.
Passengers could choose from a range of beverages, including wine, spirits, soft drinks, Lavazza coffee, and Dilmah Orange Pekoe tea.
Later in the flight, a mid-flight snack was served consisting of a cream cheese, roasted red pepper, and Japanese cucumber sandwich, along with a cookie. I received the gluten-free meal version, which appeared to be a vegetable sandwich. If you’re asleep when it’s served, the crew simply leaves it on your tray table. I found mine waiting when I woke up. The sandwich had an unusual texture and a flavour that wasn’t quite familiar to me.
Special meal requests can be made at no extra charge at least 24 hours before your flight.
Snacks and bottled water are available at the galley for passengers to help themselves. You’ll typically find pretzels, Biscoff biscuits, or Air Canada’s signature Célébration chocolate-dipped cookies, familiar favourites served across all flights, even on domestic routes. We’ve had our fair share of them across several sectors recently.
So if you need a stretch, take a quick walk to the rear of the cabin and pick up a free snack or drink at any time. If you’re in the mood for coffee or tea, simply ask one of the friendly crew. Flight attendants also make regular rounds with water throughout the flight.
Breakfast was served approximately one to two hours before landing, with a choice of two options: an omelette accompanied by tomato sauce, roasted potatoes, and spinach, or a stir-fried Hokkien noodle dish with chicken and shrimp. I had the gluten-free meal, which looked somewhat similar to the omelette option.
Dining onboard AC19 – YVR – SIN
Dinner on my return flight to Singapore turned out to be a pleasant surprise. By that point, just past midnight on 28 May, I’d lost track of what mealtime it actually was. Still, Gate Gourmet, Air Canada’s in-flight catering out of Vancouver Airport, delivered a solid gluten-free option. The roast chicken with mushrooms in a rich demi-glace sauce was delicious, and the couscous appetiser was equally satisfying.
For those on the regular dinner menu, the choices were penne pasta with pesto and roasted peppers, or General Tao chicken with rice. Appetisers included a broccoli and carrot salad with pumpkin seeds and cranberries, as well as a marinated cucumber bowl.
A mid-flight snack was placed on my tray table, though I was far too exhausted to touch it. For breakfast, I opted for the mushroom and cheese omelette, served with potato ratatouille and a side of fresh fruit. It was a long haul, AC19 clocked in at 15 hours and 32 minutes. We took off from Vancouver Airport at 12.19 am on 28 May 2025 and touched down in Singapore at 6.51 am on 29 May 2025.
Maple Leaf Lounge at Vancouver International Airport
The Maple Leaf Lounge at Vancouver International Airport offers a relaxing and well-equipped space for eligible travellers, including those flying in Air Canada Business Class, Aeroplan Elite members, and Star Alliance Gold members.
There are three lounges across the airport, in the Domestic, International, and Transborder terminals. Each features comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and ample power outlets. The International lounge stands out with shower facilities stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, quiet zones, and panoramic views of the runway.
Guests can help themselves to a buffet offering a mix of hot and cold dishes, including soups, wraps, salads, and small bites, along with a self-serve bar stocked with beer, wine, and spirits. It’s a well-equipped and comfortable spot to unwind before your flight, though it can get busy during peak times. With several hours to spare after our arrival from Toronto and before our onward journey to Singapore, we dropped in for a quick bite, freshened up with a shower, and then spent time exploring the airside area of Vancouver International Airport and doing a bit of plane spotting.
Vancouver Airport (YVR) as a Gateway
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) stands out as one of the most efficient and traveller-friendly hubs in North America, and for good reason.
YVR is ideally positioned on Canada’s west coast, making it a natural gateway between North America and Asia-Pacific. For flights from cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Seoul, Vancouver is often the first Canadian or American stopover. From here, travellers can easily connect to destinations across Canada, the U.S., and Latin America. Experience a smooth, hassle-free transit—there’s no need to collect or recheck your luggage, as checked bags are automatically transferred to your connecting flight when travelling entirely on Air Canada or its codeshare partners.
YVR’s layout is one of its biggest strengths. Unlike sprawling mega-airports that can feel overwhelming, Vancouver’s terminals are thoughtfully designed under one roof, making it easy to transfer between domestic, international, and transborder flights without long walks or confusing detours. Signage is clear, and connection times are manageable, even with customs or security checks factored in. For U.S.-bound travellers, the airport also features a U.S. pre-clearance facility, allowing passengers to clear immigration and customs before even boarding their flight, saving time on arrival stateside.
Inside, the airport’s atmosphere is calm, airy, and distinctly Canadian. Travellers are welcomed by cascading water features, First Nations artwork, and natural light streaming through expansive windows, details that help ease travel fatigue and showcase British Columbia’s heritage. It feels more like a relaxing public space than a chaotic transport hub. Staff are known for their warmth and multilingual capabilities, which helps smooth the way for international visitors.
YVR also delivers when it comes to amenities. Travellers have access to multiple lounges, including Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges and the independently operated Plaza Premium Lounge. There’s a good selection of dining options too, with a noticeable focus on fresh, local cuisine, expect to see offerings like sushi, ramen, or Pacific Northwest seafood on the menus. The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, numerous charging ports, clean washrooms, and even shower facilities for long-haul passengers who need to refresh.
Adding to its appeal is YVR’s commitment to sustainability. The airport has won multiple Skytrax awards, including repeated titles as North America’s Best Airport, and is taking active steps toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. It’s not just a place to pass through. It’s a hub that puts people and the planet first.
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brilliant article, super informative!
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