Air Canada has announced a series of updates that emphasize its ongoing commitment to innovation, fleet renewal, and customer satisfaction. These include a significant expansion of its Airbus A220 fleet, the rollout of fast, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and the transfer of Boeing 737 Max jets to its low-cost subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge.
A220 History & Order Update
December 20, 2019, marked a historic moment for Air Canada as it took delivery of its first Canadian-designed and built Airbus A220-300. This milestone was celebrated with a public unveiling ceremony at the airline’s Montreal headquarters, where employees and media were introduced to the aircraft that has since become a cornerstone of Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet.
The inaugural A220, designated Fin 101 and registered as C-GROV in honor of former Air Canada President and CEO Calin Rovinescu, embarked on its maiden commercial flight from Montreal to Calgary on January 16, 2020. Over the past five years, the A220 has helped Air Canada expand its North American network, offering passengers unrivaled comfort on a single-aisle aircraft.
To celebrate this fifth anniversary, Air Canada has exercised purchase options for five additional A220-300s, increasing its total fleet to 65 aircraft.
“The A220 for us is an aircraft that is very versatile and very efficient, which only adds to the pride we have to be flying an aircraft built by Canadians,” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President, Network Planning – North America and Scheduling at Air Canada.
The A220’s advanced design, including its fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney engines, allows Air Canada to operate routes that were previously not economically viable. Popular routes like Montreal to Austin, Texas, exemplify the aircraft’s versatility, to North American and Caribbean destinations.
Air Canada’s A220 features 12 Business Class and 125 Economy Class seats, providing passengers with more personal space, larger windows, and customizable LED mood lighting. It also includes a state-of-the-art Panasonic in-flight entertainment system at every seat and satellite-based high-speed Wi-Fi.
Captain Ian Beauchemin, an A220 pilot, praised the aircraft’s design: “It’s an aircraft that is very intuitive, with well-designed systems that are not complicated for pilots. I am extremely proud to fly an aircraft that was built just a few kilometers from my base in Montreal.”
Fleet Restructuring: 737 Max Transfer to Air Canada Rouge
As part of its operational realignment, Air Canada is transferring its Boeing 737 Max jets to Air Canada Rouge, its low-cost subsidiary. As Rouge’s existing jets are less efficient.
Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
In a major upgrade to passenger amenities, Air Canada will introduce free, fast, streaming-quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members on flights within North America and other destinations starting in May 2025. The Wi-Fi service sponsored by Bell, the service will expand to long-haul international routes in 2026.
By the launch date, over 85% of Air Canada’s fleet will be Wi-Fi-equipped, including the regional Q400 aircraft operating from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. This initiative makes Air Canada the first airline to provide fast, free Wi-Fi on Q400 aircraft.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital at Air Canada, highlighted the significance of this enhancement: “Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies.”
Passengers without Aeroplan memberships will still be able to access Wi-Fi for a reduced fee, ensuring that all travelers can stay connected.
Analysis
With its operators the A220 has been very popular. It’s great to see Air Canada order additional aircraft, I find the A220 to be an awesome aircraft and may write a future post about it.
I find Air Canada’s decision to transfer their 737 Max to Rouge a little confusing. As I feel the A220 leaves a capacity gap between their larger aircraft. Upon further research it seems Air Canada is transferring this planes to Rouge as the 737 Max are more efficient than Rouge’s current A320 family planes.
I’m excited to hear about the free Wi-FI on Air Canada. For one thing it’s also going to be on the Q400 fleet, that’s nice to see. Free Wi-Fi on the international routes is great as well. This announcement corresponds with United’s free Wifi except that on Air Canada it’s sponsored by Bell and not starlink wifi.
I think j part of moving the 737 Max fleet to rouge is that AC is expected to being receiving the first of their initial 26 Airbus A321XLRs in 2025. This will be the backbone of their single aisle fleet going forward.
I can see that, the A321XLR certainly gives airlines a lot more flexibility. With its extra fuel tanks giving it the capability of flying transatlantic routes. I believe a few years ago Air Canada flew the Max from St. Johns to London. That makes sense.