Air Canada becomes latest A350 customer as it upgrades long-haul fleet

Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada has disclosed a form order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide body airlines making it the latest customer for the popular long range aircraft.

Air Canada’s current long haul fleet is primarily made up of rBoeing 777 and 787 aircraft but the new order marks a pivotal moment in the airlines fleet upgrade plans.

The lower operating costs of the A350-1000 will give Air Canada a competitive advantage on long-haul routes, especially transatlantic routes between Canada and Europe and with a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles it will also be central to the airlines route expansion plans.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada said: “Air Canada’s continued global ambitions are solidified by the selection of the Airbus A350-1000, a natural next step in the evolution of our fleet. The aircraft brings state-of-the-art capabilities and improved efficiencies to Air Canada, unlocking new long-haul opportunities around the globe,” adding “With the Maple Leaf adorning the tail, 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.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said: “Air Canada’s selection of the A350-1000 to lead its long-haul fleet strategy is a strong testament to the most technologically advanced widebody on the market,“

“This decision is not only about fleet modernisation, it is also about Air Canada’s ambition to set new standards in range, performance and customer satisfaction which we are proud to support.” he added.

The wings and engines for the Airbus A350 family are made in the UK with the type using Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines with the wings manufactured in Broughton, North Wales.