Air Canada making it new with acquisition of Airbus A350-1000s

Air Canada has set a course to a new era in long-haul travel with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to its fleet – an addition that supports the growth of the airline’s international network.

The carrier will welcome eight A350-1000 aircraft to its fleet, and its has rights to purchase eight other A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, explained that: “Air Canada’s acquisition of the Airbus A350-1000 will further solidify our position as a leading global airline through the next decade.”

Galardo said that: “This state-of-the-art aircraft adds a new dimension to Air Canada’s long-haul capabilities, with impressive range, enhanced payload, and proven economics that unlock new possibilities for long-haul flying for our customers.”

And he pointed out that: “These highly capable aircraft complement our existing fleet by providing flexibility in support of a growing, resilient, and diversified future network. The Airbus A350-1000 will play a central role in defining Air Canada’s next era, connecting our customers, our hubs, and our country to the world.”

John Di Bert, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Air Canada, observed that: “The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet is a forward-looking investment that strengthens Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency. These aircraft will deliver improved operating economics, enhance our operational reliability, and ensure we remain competitive across our global network. The aircraft’s lighter materials and advanced engines deliver meaningful fuel-burn improvements versus the aircraft they replace, supporting our financial and environmental objectives.”

And Di Bert added: “This order is another step in the modernization of our fleet and is aligned with our capital allocation priorities and our target to maintain capital investments at or below 12 per cent of revenues.”

Powered by the XWB97 engine from Rolls Royce and fabricated using lighter weight materials, it is estimated the aircraft will deliver up to a 25 per cent fuel consumption reduction compared to the previous generation aircraft, as estimated by Airbus. The A350-1000 has a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.

According to Airbus, customers will experience the quietest twin-aisle cabin available. It is designed to be pressurized to only 6,000 feet to reduce stress on the body, minimize jet lag and deliver a noticeably more comfortable travel experience. The A350-1000 will come equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment screens and connectivity, as well as Air Canada’s new cabin standard, which is being introduced later this year.

Modernizing the Fleet

The order for eight A350-1000s is in addition to the 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners expected to start entering service later this year. Air Canada is also set to welcome in the coming months the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs. Air Canada also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-assembled Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. An additional five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on lease, are expected to service in 2026.

These aircraft will enter service with Air Canada’s next generation cabin design and standard, including enhanced connectivity and in-flight entertainment offerings.