Air Canada’s fleet transformation takes off | News
Air Canada has announced that the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Air Canada Rouge, introducing the best leisure aviation experience in the industry. This marks the latest milestone in Rouge’s extensive cabin renewal programme, aimed at delivering a more comfortable, connected and consistent onboard experience.
This fleet transition will allow most customers flying Rouge Leisure and Sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personalized seat-back entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.
“When customers board our aircraft, they should immediately feel a sense of comfort, care and pride,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada. “Backed by award-winning service from colleagues across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, every flight. Each update is designed with our customers in mind as we introduce an all-new Air Canada Rouge product with groundbreaking in-flight entertainment, fast, free Wi-Fi and reclining seats for all customers.”
To support this leisure-oriented growth, Air Canada has opened a new Rouge crew base in Vancouver, coinciding with the entry into service of the first Rouge Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This investment will directly support more sunshine and leisure flights from Western Canada, such as the recently announced return of winter service from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
More comfort for Air Canada Rouge
Passengers flying with Rouge can enjoy complimentary wine, beer – including non-alcoholic beer – and premium Canadian-made snacks on all North American and Caribbean flights. Inflight menus feature beloved Canadian brands for an enhanced in-flight experience tailored to a range of tastes, including Canadian favorites such as MadeGood Morning Bars (on flights before 10am), TWIGZ pretzels and Leclerc Célébration cookies.
Improvements to the Rouge fleet focus on what matters most to customers on shorter journeys: an improved cabin, improved technology and small details to make the journey easier and more comfortable. The cabins are configured so that customers can choose from 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred seats that offer extra space and 147 Standard Economy seats.
Modernization of the North American fleet
The transformation extends across the entire network. Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will be updated to Air Canada’s latest design standard, as the airline also prepares to introduce new longer-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Customer experience upgrades also extend to regional travel, equipping Jazz’s Air Canada Express aircraft with new cabins and next-generation fast, free Wi-Fi.
Upcoming additions to the fleet
As part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, Air Canada recently announced an order for eight Airbus A350-1000s. This is in addition to the fourteen Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners that are expected to enter service later this year. Air Canada will also welcome the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs in the coming months, while continuing to supply the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 more aircraft to its firm order of 65.
These aircraft will enter service with Air Canada’s next-generation cabin design and standards, including enhanced connectivity and in-flight entertainment.
