Air Canada Places Order For Eight Airbus A350-1000s, With Eight More Options

Air Canada continues its modernization plans, announcing a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with an additional eight units as options. Deliveries are expected to start some time in 2030.

The A350-1000 has as estimated range of just about 9,000 nautical miles, and consumes 25% less fuel when compared to older aircraft competing in a similar bracket. It also boasts a lower cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, compared those with pressurized altitudes as high as 8,000 feet.

This is yet another step in their modernization program, as they will also start taking delivery of 14 Boeing 787-10s and 30 Airbus A321XLR later this year. Air Canada also continues to take deliveries of more Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. An additional five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on lease, are also expected to enter service in 2026.

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

So where does the A350-1000 fit into the puzzle? Back in December 2024, Air Canada talked about plans to both simplify and modernize its fleet, using more fuel-efficient aircraft to cut down on long term expenditure. Part of those plans included retiring a bunch of their older Airbus 320 family aircraft.

While it wasn’t highlighted in this latest announcement, many of their Boeing 777s are nearing 20 years old. Of the six Boeing 777-200LRs and 19 777-300ERs, all their 200LRs were delivered between 2007 and 2008, while 12 of the 19 300ERs were also delivered during a similar period.

According to the brochure, the A350-1000s typically seat 350-410 passengers. While an actual airline configuration could vary wildly, it wouldn’t be surprising if Air Canada ordered these as replacements for their older Boeing Triple 7 fleet. The 787-9s do have competing range, but do not have the seating capacity while the 787-10s can carry more passengers, but at the expense of range.

It’s always exciting to see airlines pick up new metal, and even though it’s going to be some time before it enters service, we can’t wait to try it out.

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