Welcome to my 5th freedom flight trip report!
This is Air Canada's old livery and also my ride to Buenos Aires as flight AC90.
This is Air Canada's current livery!
This aircraft (C-FRSR) arrived from Toronto as flight AC90 and would rest until late at night departing for Montreal as flight AC97.
It is not very often you have 2 different aircraft flying with the same flight number. For this day - AC90 YYZ-GRU and GRU-EZE.
You must be wondering why are there 2 Air Canada aircraft at Sao Paulo Airport at that time. There are 2 flights from Canada, one is from Montreal and the other is from Toronto. (December 2025 update)
My ride: C-FPQB arrived from Montreal at around 0915 and would continue its journey to Buenos Aires before flying back to this airport and lastly flying back to Canada to Toronto. Quite an interesting routing! (YUL-GRU-EZE-GRU-YYZ)
Airport codes
YUL- Montreal (Canada)
YYZ- Toronto (Canada)
GRU - Sao Paulo (Brazil) Departure Airport
EZE- Buenos Aires (Argentina) Arrival Airport
Introduction
Flying with this airline has been in my agenda for a long time and when the airline announced flights from Vancouver to Singapore, I was excited as this was a good opportunity to try out the airline when I saw the flight duration of both ways, flying economy class for almost 17 hours is certainly not ideal for me so the better option for me was to fly on this 5th freedom route, Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires, however the airfare was quite expensive when I was looking at this option so I considered another option and that is Ethiopian. The airfare was about half the price of how much Air Canada was charging but no matter how many times I tried getting the booking completed, the airline's website rejected my cards. In the end, I went back to Air Canada and went ahead with the booking. It was completed without issues and later on, I received an upgrade offer for only C$1 and I was thinking, was it a mistake fare? It turned out that the airfare closer to the date of departure dropped so the price I paid was for the premium economy class. This experience turned out to be a blessing in disguise, all thanks to Ethiopian Airlines's website for rejecting my cards, otherwise I would not be able to share this trip report with you. As much as I like to fly on the Boeing 777-200LR, I have to wait a bit longer. I had flown on this aircraft before and would like to try it again.
Air Canada does fly this aircraft model but it doesn't operate the aircraft type to South America so it is alright, to fly on a better cabin with a new airline listed into my flight logbook, what more can I ask?
So without further ado, let's begin this trip report.
How is my impression on Air Canada? Do read on to find out.
About Air Canada
Airline's website/Mobile App
It is not everyday you get an offer of just $1 for an upgrade in class. The reason for this is because at that time of booking, the airline was charging around S$300 + for the one-way ticket for economy class and the price dropped to around half of it when the date was closer. In fact, this amount of money was how much they were charging for premium economy when the date was closer so I just had to top up this amount to enjoy a better inflight experience.
This is the seat map of the premium economy class cabin.
My preference is the last window row seat (either 14A or 14K) but since they were not available, I settled for 13K.
2 complimentary checked baggages, not bad at all!
One of the rare occasions when the basic economy costs more than the flex economy ticket.
The highest tier of the economy class is significantly more expensive than the lowest tier of the premium economy class. Seat comfort vs Perks? Which is more important for you?
The flight itinerary
It even shows the aircraft type and the amenities offered on this aircraft.
Inflight menu is available online for all 3 classes.
Inflight menu
I went with the chicken option.
Overall I am impressed with Air Canada's mobile app, the user interface is certainly one of the best out there and I was able to navigate and book my flight with ease. Another thing I am impressed with the app is the constant update on your flight, from the luggage tag to the gate information of your flight, it helps a lot for the passengers, making travelling much easier with such technology.
On the day of departure
The hotel offers free shuttle service but you have to book it at the reception.
One last look at the hotel surrounding.
Checking my aircraft's arrival (C-FPQB), thanks to Flightradar24.
After arriving at the bus/coach terminal, I walked towards terminal 2.
This time I would not be using terminal 2 for departure out of GRU.
However, I decided to have a look whether any difference between 2023 and 2025.
BOA - I flew this airline in 2023, it was certainly an unique experience. I won't hesitate to fly with the airline again.
Terminal 2 and 3 buildings are connected so I walked over and it took about 20 minutes as I walked at a slower pace.
There are a good amount of cafes to check out at this terminal.
The list of airlines that flies in Terminal 3. I would love to try South African Airways one day, perhaps I can do SIN-JNB-GRU with SQ and SA combination, should I do it?
There are also spas to check out.
So it's not that boring during the walk from terminal 2 to 3. Of course there is a shuttle service between both terminals if you prefer to get there faster. (Depends on the shuttle frequency)
Buffet Style Restaurant on the right
The end of terminal 2
The view outside terminal 3.
Welcome to Terminal 3!
This terminal is bigger and newer, quite a difference between this and the other 2 terminals.
I did the self check-in which I didn't have to. Read on to find out why.
The system was easy to use and I received my boarding pass and luggage tag without issues.
My boarding pass!
The flight information for the flight gate info
One of the airline's check-in rows, do you recognise which airline is this?
This is Air Canada's check-in row.
I had to queue up to check in my luggage.
I get to check in at the priority lane.
My paper boarding pass was replaced by this beautiful boarding pass. The nice staff was friendly and also tagged my luggage with the priority tag.
Finally! I have flown on my first Canadian airline.
The airside of Terminal 3 is certainly nice and pleasant to walk around. There are plenty of shops and eateries to check out. So for long layover, this terminal is not a place to hang around especially if you have lounge access.
It would be a dream to see the likes of EVA Air, Starlux, ANA and JAL flying to this airport.
Duty-free shop
The red arrow on the floor leads you to the airport gates.
They have duty-free shops along the way, hoping that a few of us would drop by and make some purchases.
Shops on this level while the lounges are located on the next level.
I was tempted to buy a thing or two from one of these shops but because how full my bags were, I decided to skip and instead do some planespotting instead.
Here is the gate area
This way leading to a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER Doha flight and no, I am not in a hurry to go home.
The overview of the terminal 3 airside
Furtherdown the terminal, there is also another airport lounge.
This terminal somehow reminds me of Bogota's airport (BOG).
Recognize this Subway brand, they are popular everywhere including in my home country, Singapore.
What I like about this terminal is how much natural light is able to shine in, brightening up the place and more importantly, planespotting friendly environment for us, aviation enthusiasts.
With security check completed after the immigration, we are able to board the aircraft at the gate at our own time. This requires discipline!
Some may prefer to board security at the gate, but I had one example recently on why I don't like this arrangement on my Scoot's ERJ-190 flight to Miri and that is the need of using the toilet especially if the holding room doesn't have one. Coming out of it means you need to go through security again!
Sitting areas with charging ports available at some seats.
I find this terminal to be one of the best in South America, do you agree?
This is the assigned gate to my flight.
Gate 324 is the assigned gate to my flight.
Flight AC90 - Buenos Aires (EZE)
There is also an escalator leading to the ground level (bus gates)
The walk from the immigration to the end of the pier takes around 20 minutes but there are travellators to help reduce the walking time.
Planespotting time!
American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER
LATAM Boeing 777-300ER
Delta Airbus A330-300
United Boeing 787-9
United Boeing 767-400ER
Air Canada Boeing 787-9 (My Ride)
Aeromexico Boeing 787-8
American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER
Air Canada Boeing 787-9 (Current livery)
LATAM Boeing 777-300ER heading for FCO (Rome)
This is what I like about the airline's app, it gives you all the details you need.
I waited for the announcement for boarding.
Time to board!
It took a while to reach our aircraft.
Almost there now
The old livery of Air Canada, I was glad to be able to flown on this one.
Why, you must be wondering? Once this livery disappears, its gone.
One last look at the aircraft.
My ride: C-FPQB (Photo: Mark A.Harris)
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Configuration: C30 W21 Y247
Delivered to airline in May 2016
Engines: 2 X GEnx 1B
425th Boeing 787 Built
Age: 9+ Years Old
Built in Charleston (CHS)
Flight Route: GRU-EZE
Miles: 1,069 (About 1,720 km)
Average Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Airlines Flying On This Route: Air Canada, LATAM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Swiss Airlines
My seat: 13K (Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 24th December 2025
Airline: Air Canada
Flight: AC90
Route: GRU-EZE
Aircraft type: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration: C-FPQB
Seat: 13K
Class: Premium Economy
Departure Terminal (GRU): 3
Gate: 323
Load: 38% in Premium Economy Cabin
Flight Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Schedule Departure: 1215
Boarding: 1120
Push Back: 1203
Take Off: 1218
Schedule Arrival: 1441
Actual Arrival: 1434
Departure Runway: 28R
Departure Weather: Partially Cloudy
Arrival Runway: 29
Arrival Weather: Partially Cloudy
My Flight Experience
As this is a connecting flight for some who travelled from Montreal, all of them had to disembark at this airport and wait like the rest of us to board the aircraft. The cleaners would clean up the aircraft and that is good because after a 9 hours flight from Canada, surely the aircraft interior would need some cleaning up.
Being a premium economy class passenger, I was able to board just after the business class and elite travellers were cleared to do so and of course those passengers in need of assistance along the those families with children got to board first. Once on board, we were greeted by the Canadian crew with a few looking Asian. There is even one crew with tattoos seen on his arm but personally I have no issues with that, just as long as the service is there.
The cabins of all classes were not full, maybe a load of around 70% my guess as I suspect the others who flew on the YUL-GRU flight had disembarked at this airport. Whatever it is, it was great for me because I had the seat besides mine vacant but with the armrest not able to push it upwards, like those found on the economy class seats, I was not able to stretch my leg across.
My first impression of these seats is they are not the newest in the market but the seat comfort was good with the much needed legroom space is what I needed especially if you are on the long haul flights such as Vancouver-Singapore. The Captain made the announcement but it was hard hearing me due to the low volume of the speaker but he mentioned about a smooth ride overall with just a bit of bumps during take off. During the pre-departure, there were a lot of announcements and, usually more compared to other airlines I flew with.
As expected, we hit some light turbulence during the take off but it didn't last long as the crew began service not long after the seatbelt sign was turned off. According to the menu, there was supposed to be options for us to choose but when the crew came to me, I was given without being asked about the option. That was strange but it is what it is, anyway the choice that was given to me was the one I wanted. I suppose they ran out of the other option but it would be nice to be informed. The food quality was ok, nothing to shout about.
Overall the flight experience was pleasant especially withouy anyone sitting beside me, I was able to catch a movie and enjoy the view outside. I appreciate the crew for also not locking the window shade.
We landed ahead of schedule, in fact about 36 minutes early! Our flight time was around 2 hours 16 minutes and it felt shorter than that to be honest.
Aircraft's Entertainment System
This aircraft is fitted with Panasonic eX3 and Intelsat 2Ku Satallite Wifi
Business Class
There are 30 business class seats featuring the Aerospace Super Diamond Seats in this signature class.
These seats are configured in a 1-2-1 configuration and consists of rows from 1 to 8.
- 21 inches seat width
- Can be converted into lie-flat bed of up to 79 inches
- Moveable armrest
- 18 inches of HD Display Touchscreen
- USB type A and C Powersockets
- Universal Powersocket
This is the business class seat by the window.
(Photo: Konrad Tillman of Jettoajet.com)
Economy Class
There are 247 economy class seats spread out in 2 sections of the aircraft. These seats are in a 3-3-3 configuration and are seated from row 18 to 45.
- Adjustable headrest
- Retractable bi-folding table
- 31 inches of legroom space
-17.1 inches of seat width
- Seat can recline up to 5 inches
- HD Touch Screen Display of 9 inches
- Universal Power Socket
- USB Socket (Type A)
The overhead luggage storage space
The economy class seats with the partially dimmed windows.
Each standard seat comes with the IFE Screen display on the back of the front seat.
Cabin view of the economy class cabin
Look at the different colours of the windows, what a sight it is.
The 31 inches of legroom space is the standard among the major airlines.
One advantage of these seats is if the other 2 seats are unoccupied, you can convert the row into a lie-flat bed.
Overview of the cabin during inflight
Premium Economy Class
(My focus for this trip report)
There are 21 Premium Economy Class Seats in this cabin, with just 3 rows of 7, configured in a 2-3-2 configuration. These are the Recaro PL3510 seats which can be found from row 12 to 14 on this aircraft.
- Adjustable headrest
- Retractable Bi-folding table
- Adjustable legrest
- Seat pitch of 38 inches
- Seat width of 19.5 inches
- Seat can recline up to 5 inches
- 11 inches of HD Touchscreen Display
- Universal Power Socket
- USB Socket (Type A)
This seating configuration with one less seat in a row compared to economy class does makes the difference in seat comfort.
The window seats on either aisle are 2-seaters, perfect for couples.
The bulkhead row seats offer a good amount of legroom space but the IFE system is the retractable type and is stored at the handrest area.
The 3 rows of premium economy seats
The handrest area is not retractable so even if you have a vacant seat besides you, you are not able to fully enjoy the advantage.
The literature holder contains the safety card, disposal bag and magazine are placed in it.
With the windows dimmed, I was able to capture better photos so I am grateful to the crew for leaving them in this setting.
The overview of the cabin
This is my seat, 13K and yes, I like to have my view.
View from my seat.
The window shade was not in locked mode.
This is something for you to consider if you are thinking of choosing the bulkhead row at row 12.
For the bulkhead rows (row 12), the remote control and universal charging port is stored at the leg of the armrest area.
Personally I prefer the mounted screen on the partition wall than the IFE system being stored at the handrest area.
I was able to fully stretched my legs.
The windows were in 2 difference settings and you can decide whichever you prefer.
Sitting at the aisle seat is not bad. However if the seat in front is in a fully reclined mode, you might find it difficult to cross over the aisle sleeping passenger to get to the aisle.
I was satisfied with the legroom space
The recline button
The old style remote control
The IFE Screen Display
The adjustable headrest
The view across the aisle
Universal charging ports are available with the green light means we are able to use.
Bi-foldable tray trable
It is stored at the handrest area.
View from my seat
The Boeing 787 cabin offers a comfortable environment.
The seat mate in front of me, prefers his window to be dimmed during take off.
There is a coat hanger, located just besides the IFE Screen.
I managed to catch a flim on this flight.
I wonder how many of us use this keyboard on the remote control during the flight.
With the HD touchscreen, I rarely use the remote control.
Legrest is available.
The traytable is not difficult to push in or pull out of its resting position.
What's provided for each premium economy class passenger?
Safety Card
A bottle of water
A warm face towel
My meal: Honey Ginger Sesame Chicken
- Shandong Flat noodles
- Carrots
- Bak Choy
- Edamame
This set meal consists of:
A bowl of fruits
A bread
A packet of biscuits
Main course
Served with condiments such as button and olive sauce.
Overall I find this meal alright, the chicken was slightly tough.
I chose my favourite Gingle Ale to wash down the meal with enjoyment.
Inflight Entertainment (Screen and WiFi)
This is the National Congress (Palecio del Congreso)
The layout is easy to navigate.
The contents of movies are similar with other major airlines.
I was looking for Mission Impossible - the final movie but sadly it was not available.
However the selection was not too bad as it includes some of my old time favourites such as Home Alone 2.
The Flight Map includes the Picture In Picture feature which means you can watch your movie and the inflight map at the same time.
There are also entertainment and news for you to check out.
The inflight map
Weather at selected destinations of the airline
These were the movies that I considered watching.
Advertising
I settled for this movie and catching a glimpse of the flight map from time to time.
The inflight map is not bad at all.
With that, my flight with Air Canada came to an end.
It was a nice smooth ride.
I was satisfied with the IFE screen quality.
The sound quality from the earpiece is ok.
WiFi
Only the frequent flyer member of this airline can access the free messaging.
This is the charges, I prefer it to be charged by 2 hours of data (for example) and if you use for only 30 minutes, you can transfer the remaining time to another flight.
Although I didn't use the paid Wifi, I find the interface of the website decent.
No prize for guessing who dominates the front screen of my phone.
Lavatory
The condition is good
Was I satisfifed with my flight so far? Yes.
Window view photos (Take off to Landing)
American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER was heading to runway 28R for departure.
Notice an aircraft taking off in the photo below?
We started our push back.
Once our GEnx engines were started, we were on the move.
Since we were heading towards runway 28R, there was nothing much to see while sitting on the right side of the aircraft.
After minutes of taxing, we reached the threshold.
We started rolling and the good news for myself is I get a great view of the airport during the take-off.
The maintainence hanger
The view of all the 3 terminals appearing shortly.
Including the air traffic control tower
Goodbye Sao Paulo, Brazil!
Leaving Brazil with a heavy heart! I always have a soft spot for this country.
I always like to have the wing and engine view along with the beautiful scenery like these photos.
The partially cloudy weather makes it a nice day for flying.
Now the question that some of you might be wondering. Do I prefer flying on the Roll Royce powered 787 or the General Electric? As much as I like Roll Royce, I prefer the Genx engines on the 787 for the engine sound.
We made a few turns while climbing to our assigned flight level.
Thankfully we flew past the clouds and not into it.
Soon, we were flying over the clouds.
After an hour later, we started our descent.
We soon approached the coast of Argentina.
The arrival into EZE airport was the same flight path my Lufthansa 747-8 took for the arrival into this airport.
The city of Buenos Aires emerged
Just like the weather in Sao Paulo, it was partially cloudy.
Few more minutes to touch down.
It was a smooth ride into this airport.
500 feet (Disengage autopilot), the PIC (Pilot-in-command) will manually land the aircraft.
We touched down with the reverse thrust and spoilers deployed to slow the aircraft.
So when you hear a loud noise after the touch down, it is absolutely normal.
Welcome back to Buenos Aires EZE Airport!
We parked besides this beautiful Iberia's A350-900 aircraft.
This aircraft would push back after our arrival.
My flight summary
Fantastic statistics, right?
Welcome back to Buenos Aires EZE Airport!
I am more or less familar with this airport.
Thanks for the ride, C-FPQB!
This aircraft would rest for a short while before flying back to Sao Paulo GRU with the same crew and from there it will be fly home to Toronto (YYZ).
The walk to the main concourse took about 10 minutes.
This is quite a nice and pleasant terminal.
I highly recommend taking Uber to travel out of this airport.
I waited for a short while for my luggage to appear.
A few photos of the arrival hall.
After that, I booked my Uber ride.
This time I would be staying at a hotel not far from this airport and that would be my next blog post.
That's the last regional South American flight for the year! I hope you have enjoyed my 2025 South American trip report so far!
My ratings
Airline's website/mobile app: 5/5
GRU Terminal Experience: 4/5
In-Flight Service: 4/5
In-Flight Experience: 5/5
Cleanliness of the cabin: 5/5
In-Flight Amenities: 4/5
Seat comfort: 4/5
In-Flight Meal: 4/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Cabin interior: 4/5
Overall rating: 44/50
Percentage: 88%
Conclusion
What stands up for me with this airline is the mobile app and website that offers a user-friendly experience in my opinion. My booking experience was pleasant. I was able to view and understand the types of fares and what is expected on board the aircraft thanks to the good user interface and for that I have to give the airline a lot of credits for it. Another thing I appeciate is the constant updates on my luggage and flight information through the mobile app and sms messages.
For the inflight experience, the premium economy class may not be the best out there, it is still comfortable and more importantly better than the standard economy class with more legroom space and wider seat (thanks to the 2-3-2 configuration instead of the 2-4-2 in Y class). The extra cost of S$200 for the premium economy for this 2 hours flight is certainly worth it. I am grateful to the airline for allowing me upgrade for only one dollar since the airfare when I booked dropped to around S$150 for economy and this is certainly worth it since I paid about S$300 plus for the one-way trip in economy class.
I am glad to have finally flown with this airline after many years and was supposed to fly to Canada a year ago but plans changed and luckily for me I didn't have to wait long. I hope to fly on this airline's Airbus A350-1000 and A321XLR in the near future and not forgetting it's rival, Westjet which is also very much in my mind.
Hope you enjoyed this trip report.
Thanks for reading and have a great one!
Cheers,
Charles
For my previous trip report (Azul Brazilian Airlines CNF-GRU ERJ-195-E2), click here
Coming up next: My last night stay in South America at Hotel Plaza Canning (Buenos Aires).
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