Canada’s flagship carrier Air Canada has expanded its Airbus A220 fleet with a new order for five A220-300 aircraft. The announcement comes as the airline celebrates five years since receiving its first A220 in December 2019.
This latest purchase builds upon Air Canada’s growing commitment to the A220 program. The airline initially ordered 45 A220-300s in 2016. This was followed by 15 more in 2022. With this new addition, Air Canada’s total firm orders for the A220-300 have reached 65 aircraft.
Success of A220 Variant
Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, John Di Bert, highlighted the aircraft’s success. “The A220 has exceeded our expectations during its five years of service. This aircraft enables us to develop new routes and enhance existing ones while supporting our profitable growth strategy. Our customers particularly appreciate its features.”
The aircraft’s local connection holds special significance, as Di Bert noted: “These additional planes, manufactured in Mirabel, Quebec, near our Montreal headquarters, demonstrate our continued support for Canada’s aerospace industry.”
Airbus’s EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, emphasized the growing partnership with the Canadian flag carrier. “This third A220 order from Air Canada reinforces our commitment to supporting their fleet modernization.”
“The A220 leads its category in efficiency and provides superior passenger comfort with its spacious cabin and extensive range capabilities.”
Since becoming North America’s first A220-300 operator in January 2020, Air Canada has deployed these aircraft to over 70 destinations. The A220’s assembly in Mirabel, Quebec, strengthens Canada’s aerospace sector.
A220 Performance and Efficiency Gains
The A220 distinguishes itself in its class through several notable characteristics. The aircraft accommodates between 100 to 150 passengers and offers an impressive range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km).
Equipped with state-of-the-art Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the A220 achieves a remarkable 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.
Currently, the aircraft can operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus working toward full compatibility with 100% SAF by 2030.
Air Canada’s Current Airbus Fleet
Air Canada was the first carrier in North America to operate the A220-300, heralding a new era of comfort that is unrivalled on a single-aisle aircraft in the Air Canada fleet. The airline is the only Canadian carrier to operate this aircraft
As of November 2024, Air Canada’s Airbus fleet comprises 134 aircraft, including various models from the A320 Family, the A330 Family, and the A220-300 series. The airline has also placed an order for 26 A321XLRs to further expand its capabilities.
Global A220 Success
The A220 program has demonstrated remarkable market success across the globe. Airbus has secured nearly 900 orders from 32 customers worldwide, with almost 380 aircraft already delivered to operators.
The aircraft currently serves 23 airlines globally, operating on more than 1,500 routes and connecting over 460 destinations. These impressive figures reinforce the A220’s leading position in the small single-aisle aircraft market.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
