Air Canada is getting bullish on Brisbane as the launch of its Brisbane-Vancouver service draws near.

First up: the Star Alliance member airline is upgrading the new route to a Boeing 787-9 to boost capacity over the originally-slated Boeing 787-8.

This larger version of the Dreamliner adds 10 more of the lie-flat business class seats (a confident 30% boost over the 787-8's 20-seat cabin), along with 37 more seats in economy. The premium economy count remains the same, with 21 seats with a 7 inch recline.

The 787-9 is slated to start from October 30 for the northern winter season.

Air Canada will also kick off the Vancouver-Brisbane route from June 3, with three flights a week, before moving to the more desirable daily schedule from June 19.

PREVIOUS | Air Canada will begin daily direct Boeing 787 flights between Vancouver and Brisbane from June 2016.

The non-stop service, initially slated to run three days a week, is being upgraded to a daily schedule.

Beginning on June 17 2016, flight AC35 will leave Vancouver at 11.45pm to reach Brisbane at 7.15am two days later.

The AC36 return leg will be wheels up from Brisbane at 10.40am, arriving into Vancouver at 7.15am the same day.

Air Canada says the timetable fits neatly into onwards flights from Vancouver to other Canadian and US destinations.

"The new route increases our presence in the Asia-Pacific market at a time when trade and travel in the region and between North America is growing, with a further boost expected from the Trans-Pacific Partnership now under negotiation" observed Air Canada President and CEO Calin Rovinescu.

"Canadian travellers are at an all-time high to Queensland" added Brisbane Airport CEO Julieanne Alroe, citing strong corporate links between Queensland and Canada "due to the resource sector."

Inside Air Canada's Boeing 787

Air Canada's Boeing 787-8 is fitted out in a three-class layout led by 20 business class seats, which Air Canada tags as 'executive pods'.

These are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout to provides direct aisle access for every traveller, with the solo seats angled towards the window while the two centre seats are angled slightly towards each other.

Each seat extends extends to an 80 inch fully flat bed dressed with a 100% cotton duvet and, for that extra touch of indulgence, an espresso and cappuccino service featuring Lavazza coffee.

For travellers who're more budget than business, Air Canada’s premium economy cabin offers 21 seats in a 2-3-2 pattern.

Passengers get a 19.5 inch wide seat with 38 inch pitch and a 7 inch recline.

Each set has its own 11 inch touchscreen panel, USB and AC power socket.

The rest of the 787 is given over to 210 economy seats ranked 3-3-3.

The 17.3 inch wide seats have a 5 inch recline and 31 inch pitch, although their slimline design should afford a bit of extra room around the knees.

To take your mind off the squeeze there’s a 9 inch touchscreen with a USB port and shared AC sockets.

Also read: Air New Zealand opens new Star Alliance lounge at Sydney Airport

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