Air Canada debuts new Maple Leaf Lounge in San Francisco

Air Canada is expanding its global presence this week, unlocking the doors to a fresh Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco’s Terminal 2 complete with hands-free entry, locally-inspired menus, and even an outdoor terrace – a lounge first for the Star Alliance member.

The first of four new lounges opening in the coming years, it also marks an aesthetic shift for the airline, embracing a fresher look and feel, which will also be seen on the forthcoming Airbus A321XLR jets and the twin-aisle Boeing fleet.

Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President Marketing and Digital, isn’t shy about his love for the runway-view hangout, sharing it feels distinctly San Francisco thanks to “some unique things with the furniture, with the layout and also with the artwork.”

Speaking with Executive Traveller previously, Nasr says the overall aim is to elevate the ground experience to match the in-air experience, with the recognition that lounges are getting busier but must also remain ‘special’.

“More of our eligible customers – business class passengers, our elite travellers and premium credit card holders – are using lounges than ever before, and they're spending longer in the lounges than they were previously,” he explains.

“That tells us we need to keep the lounges special, and that they need to be bigger, they need to have more facilities.”

A first-look at the new San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge.

Seating up to 165 guests, the new Maple Leaf Lounge is divided into dining, work and relaxation and welcomes the usual mix of travellers, including business class passengers on Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, as well as Aeroplan Super Elite, 50K and 75K members.

Velocity Gold and Platinum members can enjoy access to Air Canada’s network of domestic and international Maple Leaf airport lounges, through the airlines’ reciprocal partnership.

Liberal use of glass, timber and marble-look add to the relaxed feel of the lounge, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood it with natural light.

The real star though is the runway-view terrace, which sports low lounges around warming vapour fireplaces, plus a vibrant mural of the Air Canada logo and Golden Gate Bridge. The latter is just one of several San Francisco artworks throughout.

In addition, an L-shaped bar also serves up staple cocktails, wines from Canada and California and a mix of craft beers, guests will also find a hot and cold buffet of locally-inspired dishes, such as sliders and the famous San Francisco fish stew cioppino.

Three private work stations are positioned alongside the main lounge area, each fitted with a spacious work desk and tucked away behind glass doors.

Travellers can also freshen up before the flight with two shower rooms featuring Molton Brown toiletries, while VIPs and their entourage can also recline in privacy in a separate room for up to 10 guests.

Although not currently flying between Australia and San Francisco, Air Canada is building its presence down under, adding more flights between Sydney, Brisbane and Vancouver in time for the northern ski season.