Air Canada Expands Fleet with New Airbus Wide-Body Order
Air Canada has made a strategic move by ordering eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This order marks a significant upgrade to their wide-body fleet. In addition to the initial purchase, the airline also secured rights to acquire eight more A350-1000s in the future.
Key Details of the Airbus A350-1000 Order
- Delivery Timeline: Deliveries are set to commence in the second half of 2030.
- Fuel Efficiency: The A350-1000 is 25% more fuel-efficient than older aircraft models, leading to lower operational costs.
- Cabin Comfort: It offers the quietest cabin in the industry, pressurized to 6,000 feet, which minimizes jet lag.
- Aircraft Specifications: The aircraft has a range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.
Financial Insights
Although the exact purchase price for the new aircraft was not disclosed, the A350-1000 was listed at about USD 366.5 million in 2018. Airlines typically negotiate significant discounts on such high-value orders.
John Di Bert, Air Canada’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted the benefits of this investment. He stated that it would enhance the airline’s cost efficiency and operational reliability. This addition is seen as vital for maintaining competitiveness across Air Canada’s global network.
Improving Long-Haul Capabilities
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the A350-1000. He noted that the aircraft would add considerable value to their long-haul service. The improved range and payload capacity will unlock new possibilities for international travel.
Future Development Plans
In parallel with this new acquisition, Air Canada is preparing to introduce 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners later this year. Other new aircraft on the horizon include Airbus A321s, Canadian-made Airbus A220s, and Boeing 737 Maxes.
As Air Canada expands its international network, it plans to introduce new destinations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America starting this summer and continuing into winter.
