Air Canada is moving ahead with the next phase of its fleet renewal plan, announcing it will add the Airbus A350-1000 to its widebody fleet beginning in 2030.
The airline says it has placed an order for eight A350-1000 aircraft and secured rights to purchase eight more.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
“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.”
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John Di Bert, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, said the order is part of the airline’s long-term financial planning.
“The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet is a forward-looking investment that strengthens Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency,” said Di Bert.
“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. 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 Rolls-Royce XWB97 engines and built with lighter-weight materials, the A350-1000 is expected to deliver up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft, according to Airbus.
The aircraft has a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.
Airbus says the A350-1000 features what it describes as the quietest twin-aisle cabin available. The aircraft is designed to be pressurized to 6,000 feet, which is intended to reduce fatigue and jet lag. The aircraft will also feature the latest generation in-flight entertainment screens and connectivity, along with Air Canada’s new cabin standard, set to debut later this year.
Broader Fleet Renewal Underway
The A350-1000 order comes in addition to several other aircraft scheduled to join the fleet.
Air Canada expects 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners to begin entering service later this year. The airline is also preparing to receive the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in the coming months. Deliveries of the Canadian-assembled Airbus A220 continue, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. In addition, five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on lease are expected to enter service in 2026.
All new aircraft will be delivered with Air Canada’s next-generation cabin design and standard, including enhanced connectivity and updated in-flight entertainment offerings.
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