Canada’s largest carrier, Air Canada, has revealed plans to expand its long-haul fleet with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, marking the next stage of its ongoing fleet renewal efforts. The airline intends to add eight of the widebody aircraft while securing purchase rights for an additional eight. Deliveries are expected to commence in the latter half of 2030.
“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,”
– Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and President of Cargo at Air Canada.
The Airbus A350-1000 is powered by the Rolls Royce XWB97 engine and constructed using advanced lightweight materials. According to Airbus estimates, the aircraft can reduce fuel burn by up to 25 per cent compared with earlier-generation models and offers a range of roughly 9,000 nautical miles, positioning it for ultra-long-haul routes within Air Canada’s international network.
“The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet is a forward-looking investment that strengthens Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency. These aircraft will deliver improved operating economics, enhance our operational reliability, and ensure we remain competitive across our global network.”
– John Di Bert, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Air Canada.
Passenger comfort has also been emphasised in the aircraft’s design. Airbus reports that the A350-1000 features what it describes as the quietest twin-aisle cabin currently available. The cabin is pressurised to the equivalent of 6,000 feet, a design intended to help reduce physical strain and mitigate jet lag, contributing to an overall more comfortable onboard experience. The aircraft will also feature next-generation in-flight entertainment screens, upgraded connectivity, and Air Canada’s new cabin interior standard, which is scheduled to debut later this year.
“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 A350-1000 order forms part of a broader modernisation strategy already underway at the Montreal-based airline. In addition to the new Airbus widebodies, the carrier expects 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners to begin entering service later this year. Deliveries of its 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft are also set to start in the coming months. Air Canada continues to receive Canadian-assembled Airbus A220 aircraft, with 23 remaining from its firm order of 65, while five leased Boeing 737 MAX jets are anticipated to join the fleet in 2026.
“The aircraft’s lighter materials and advanced engines deliver meaningful fuel-burn improvements versus the aircraft they replace, supporting our financial and environmental objectives. This order is another step in the modernisation of our fleet and is aligned with our capital allocation priorities and our target to maintain capital investments at or below 12 per cent of revenues.”
Aircraft entering service across the expanding fleet will feature the airline’s next-generation cabin design, including enhanced onboard connectivity and upgraded entertainment systems, reinforcing the carrier’s long-term focus on operational efficiency, environmental performance and passenger experience.
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