- Air Canada's order for 18 Dreamliners, with an option for 12 more, aims for deliveries from Q4 2025 to Q1 2027.
- President and CEO Michael Rousseau emphasizes the Dreamliner's role in enhancing passenger experience and environmental efficiency.
- Air Canada's fleet renewal includes Airbus A220 and A321neo XLR acquisitions, and the introduction of electric-hybrid ES-30 aircraft by 2028.
Expansion of the Dreamliner Fleet: Air Canada's Investment in Comfort and Sustainability
MONTREAL — Air Canada has formalized a deal with The Boeing Company, confirming the purchase of 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner planes. Slated for deliveries starting in the final quarter of 2025 and concluding in the opening quarter of 2027, these aircraft are earmarked to replace the older, less efficient wide-body planes in the current fleet. The deal also paves the way for 12 additional Boeing 787-10 aircraft, allowing Air Canada to adapt to rising customer demands in the future.
CEO Michael Rousseau underlined Air Canada's commitment to passenger comfort, "The choice to expand our Dreamliner fleet stems from our dedication to enhancing the passenger experience. Our records indicate a strong preference for the Dreamliner among our clientele. Thus, introducing an enlarged model, with a contemporary cabin design, complements our vision. Additionally, the Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency aligns with our operational and environmental objectives."
As an extension of its current fleet, Air Canada is no stranger to the Dreamliner family, operating 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 models. Moreover, two 787-9s are in the pipeline from a prior arrangement. The Boeing 787-10 stands out as the most spacious model of the Dreamliner series, boasting a seating capacity of over 330 passengers, depending on the configuration, and significant cargo space. Enhancements like superior cabin pressurization, humidity controls, and expansive dimmable windows cement the Dreamliner's reputation. Boeing's data highlights the 787-10's efficiency, with up to a 25% reduction in fuel emissions per seat compared to its predecessors.
Delving into Air Canada's fleet renewal initiative, there's a concurrent focus on the new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as proposals to incorporate 28 extra-long range (XLR) Airbus A321neo models from 2025. Looking ahead, by 2028, Air Canada aims to introduce the innovative electric-hybrid ES-30 planes, developed by Heart Aerospace.
However, there's a twist in Air Canada's collaboration with Boeing. The freshly announced order for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners supplants a prior agreement for two Boeing 777 freighters, which means the airline will skip the delivery of these two cargo planes. Currently, Air Canada's extensive fleet encompasses approximately 240 aircraft, spanning its mainline and the Air Canada Rouge divisions.
