Air Canada elevating regional flying experience

Air Canada is embarking on a major upgrade program for its regional fleet, in order to provide customers with a heightened level of comfort and convenience. Under the initiative, 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft operated for Air Canada Express by Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz) will undergo a full cabin redesign to install new seating, new interiors and, on select aircraft initially, flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, onboard Fast, Free Wi-Fi in an industry first for this aircraft type.

Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada, explained that: “Air Canada Express is at the heart of how we serve Canadian communities. It brings people together, whether connecting families across the country, or linking businesses to the world through our global network.”

And Nasr continued: “This innovative project is an industry-first, and it reflects the pride we take in serving customers with care and class. By bringing many of the design details and comforts of our largest jets to the Canadian-made Dash 8-400, even our shortest flights can feel special.”

“We’re pleased to partner with Air Canada on these exciting upgrades to our Dash 8-400 fleet,” said Doug Clarke, President of Jazz – Air Canada’s largest regional partner and operator of Air Canada Express service to Toronto City (YTZ) and over 70 other destinations across Canada and the U.S. “This investment in innovative seating, refreshed cabin interiors, and industry-leading onboard Wi-Fi reflects our shared commitment to safety, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service.”

Air Canada’s refurbishment of the Canadian made, Jazz Dash 8-400 fleet will occur in phases through 2026.

The major elements of the program include:

• Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell on flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montréal and Ottawa begins in October, an industry first
• New ergonomic seating installed by mid-2026
• Redesigned cabin interiors featuring new tones and refined textures, evocative of Canada and its diverse regions

Air Canada enhances its domestic and transborder network through commercial agreements with regional carriers, including a capacity purchase agreement with Jazz Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., operating flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand. Regional flying forms an integral part of the airline’s strategy and commitment to Canadians, connecting local communities across Canada and supporting the growth of its international network by providing valuable feed to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes.