VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today unveiled its new Vancouver International Maple Leaf Lounge following an 18-month complete makeover and expansion. Located directly opposite the priority security lanes for international departures at Air Canada's trans-Pacific hub, the new expanded lounge is a serene, stylish oasis where eligible customers can rest, refuel or refresh before their international flight in an inspiring, contemporary environment that celebrates Canadian design, artistry and craftsmanship against the backdrop of beautiful British Columbia.  A virtual tour of the new lounge is here and b-roll for broadcast is here.

"We are excited to welcome Air Canada and Star Alliance eligible customers to our completely redesigned International Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR which has been created to complement the overall travel experience for our premium customers," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada.  "Showcasing contemporary Canadian design, artwork and the majestic natural beauty of British Columbia, customers will enjoy a calm and inspiring environment in which to work or relax before their international Air Canada or Star Alliance flight."

Designed by Vancouver-based Gustavson Wylie Architects Inc, Air Canada's International Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR measuring 1,250 square meters with seating capacity for 258 customers offers an elegant space on two levels that showcases contemporary Canadian design and artwork including:

• Artwork by Canadian artists Kendall Kendrick (Vancouver) whose creation celebrates westcoast nature, Nicolas Ruel (Montreal) showcasing overseas travel, and Danielle Roy (Montreal) from her collection titled "A flower – a human being" creating a powerful imagery of urban portraits by uniting people from all walks of life with beautiful flowers.
• Furnishings by Canadian designers Brent Comber (North Vancouver), Birchwood Furniture (Calgary), Nienkamper (Toronto) and Mobilier Modern (Montreal).
• A business zone featuring a custom crafted work table, by Live Edge Design of Duncan, BC created with wood salvaged from a maple tree in the Cowichan Valley which had come to the end of its natural life. The wood slabs have gone through an extensive kiln drying process, followed by hand finishing, ensuring this tree will continue to live on in a new incarnation for several decades.
• Hot and cold dining options, including a feature salad by celebrated Vancouver Chef David Hawksworth, a chef's station for individually prepared dishes, along with wines from Canada and from around the world.
• The business zone is equipped with flat screen desktop computers for customers' use, and RICOH colour printing and scanning. Complementary wi-fi and conveniently located power sources are available throughout the lounge.
• Spa-inspired shower rooms with rain shower heads, a Samsung TV zone, a VIP room and a quiet zone with reclining lounge seating.

As a leading global carrier, Air Canada offers premium customers access to 22 Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide including 16 lounges at Canadian airports, and lounges at New York-LaGuardia, New York-Newark, LAX, London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Paris.

Since 2015, Air Canada has strategically expanded its international network from its YVR hub, and now offers non-stop flights to Sydney, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka (seasonal), Nagoya (seasonal), Seoul, Taipei, Delhi (seasonal), London Heathrow, Dublin (seasonal), Frankfurt (seasonal), Mexico City, with new international flights launching to Melbourne (year-round in 2018), Paris (seasonal 2018), and Zurich (seasonal 2018).  Air Canada's international flights connect easily and conveniently to and from its extensive North American network radiating from YVR.

Attention Digital and Photo Editors:  A video and a selection of high resolution photos of Air Canada's International Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR is available at: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/about/media/photos-logos.html#/tab_9519_title_2

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 96 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 191 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax, which also named Air Canada the 2017 Best Airline in North America.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

SOURCE Air Canada