The COVID-19 pandemic had grounded much of the world’s fleet, and Air Canada Rouge was not spared. It took nearly 18 months for Air Canada Rouge, the Air Canada company dedicated to vacationers, to resume its flights.

As of today, Air Canada Rouge has resumed flights between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando and Regina. Other destinations will be added in the fall, including Cancun and Tampa.

And for those who hoped that Rouge would no longer exist, Air Canada persists:

Air Canada Rouge remains an integral part of Air Canada’s overall strategy. We expect demand to increase from leisure travellers and clients who want to finally visit family and friends as the pandemic subsides. Air Canada’s leisure carrier is very well positioned to serve this market, offering an attractive array of leisure destinations and friendly travel experience that puts customers in the holiday spirit from the moment they step on an Air Canada Rouge aircraft.

Jon Turner, vice-président – Service en vol et président – Exploitation – Rouge, d'Air Canada

Knowing that the transaction with Air Transat aborted, it is therefore logical to see Air Canada Rouge resume service. During the pandemic, Air Canada decided to upgrade the cabins of nine of its 39 Airbus single-aisle aircraft.

As a reminder, Air Canada Rouge has withdrawn the Boeing 767s that were used for long-haul flights to Europe from its fleet. Rouge’s fleet is therefore, for the time being, exclusively dedicated to flights in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The nine A321 aircraft, the first of which will enter service this fall, will feature a contemporary cabin design. They will be equipped with leather seats, with 76 cm (30 in.) of space between the rows of seats in economy class. They will also offer new in-seat power options including USB-C ports and an electronic device holder conveniently integrated into the seatback.

With the resumption of Air Canada Rouge operations, which have been suspended since the spring of 2021, customers will also be able to take advantage of some improvements:

• Enhanced streaming entertainment – No more need to use an app to access streaming content. Customers can now watch movies and TV shows for free directly in the web browser on their personal device or, for Premium Rouge customers, on the free disinfected iPad provided.
• New Uniform – Flight Attendants will wear a new uniform that incorporates many elements of Air Canada’s award-winning uniform, highlighted by new scarves, ties and badges that reflect the Air Canada Rouge brand.

Air Canada Rouge flights are operated on single-aisle Airbus aircraft offering high-speed Wi-Fi access (available for purchase) and Premium Rouge and Economy classes of service.

Customers traveling in Premium Rouge Class are offered complimentary drinks and beverages, as well as a complimentary meal on flights of more than two hours, or a snack on shorter flights.