MONTRÉAL — Air Canada (AC) has placed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000s and secured rights to purchase eight more, positioning the type as the next step in its long-haul fleet modernization.

The jets, representing the first firm order for Airbus widebodies since 1997, are slated for delivery beginning in 2030. The cabin layouts have not yet been confirmed; however, the airline says they will feature “Air Canada’s new cabin standard, which is being introduced later this year.”

The order comes in addition to significant strides in AC’s fleet modernization this decade. The carrier will be welcoming its first Airbus A321XLRs and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners later this year, for which it has outstanding firm orders of 30 and 14, respectively. 

23 A220-300s and 5 737 MAX 8s are also on the books, the latter of which will be sent to leisure subsidiary Rouge (RV) not long after delivery this year. The first 737 is currently undergoing cabin refitting ahead of its entry into service with Rouge sometime in the next few months.

“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 Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, Mark Galardo.

“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.”

The jets will be powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Trent XWB97s, the only engine option for the -1000, which will deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption relative to older-generation aircraft, according to Air Canada. The aircraft are advertised as having a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles; roughly the distance between Toronto (YYZ) or Montréal (YUL) and the east coast of Australia or New Zealand.

Boeing Loses Out

Reports over recent years have suggested that Air Canada was mulling between the Boeing 777X family and Airbus A350 for its large widebody fleet renewal.

On the one hand, an opportunity for fleet commonality, as Air Canada already operates a fleet of 25 Boeing 777s; on the other, a proven, reliable platform in the XWB.

With the uncertainty surrounding the 777X programme, now 8 years behind its original entry-into-service date of 2019, it seems AC has chosen the stable platform, while sacrificing crew training and maintenance costs associated with introducing a new aircraft type to the fleet.

Air Canada currently operates 9 Boeing 777-200LRs and 19 777-300ERs, featuring a well-rounded 300 on the -200LR and both 400 and 450 seats on the -300ER.

Not factoring in retirements, when AC’s current orderbook is delivered in full, the airline’s widebody fleet will consist of 20 Airbus A330-300s, 8-16 A350-1000s, 6 Boeing 777-200LRs, 19 777-300ERs, 8 787-8s, 32 787-9s, and 14-26 787-10s.