Air Canada, the national carrier of Canada, has announced a firm order with Airbus for five additional A220-300 aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to modern and fuel-efficient fleets. This order comes as the airline marks the fifth anniversary of introducing the A220 into its operations, following the delivery of its first aircraft of this type in December 2019.
This latest purchase builds on Air Canada’s initial order for 45 A220-300 aircraft in 2016 and a subsequent reorder in 2022 for 15 additional units. With the inclusion of this most recent order, Air Canada now has 65 firm orders for the A220-300, reflecting the airline’s confidence in the aircraft’s performance and its alignment with the company’s growth and sustainability goals.
A Strategic Asset for Air Canada
John Di Bert, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada, highlighted the aircraft’s pivotal role in the airline’s fleet strategy. “The A220 has delivered on its promises for Air Canada in its five years in service. It has allowed us to open new routes and better serve existing ones with an aircraft that has the right economics to support our profitable growth strategy. It is also very popular with customers,” he stated.
Di Bert also emphasized the local significance of the A220’s production, noting, “We are pleased to add an additional five of these aircraft, built in Mirabel, Quebec, right up the road from our Montreal headquarters, and to further support Canada’s aerospace sector.”
The A220 program is a cornerstone of Canada’s aerospace industry. Assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, the aircraft represents a significant contribution to local manufacturing and technological innovation, while also supporting jobs and economic development in the region.
A Collaboration Between Air Canada and Airbus
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, acknowledged Air Canada’s continued trust in the A220 program. “This is Air Canada’s third order for the A220 in a few years. We are committed to working closely with the flag carrier as we support its fleet renewal programme. The A220 is the most efficient aircraft in its size category, offering superior comfort with a spacious cabin and the range to fly numerous destinations on the carrier’s network,” he said.
As the launch operator of the A220-300 in North America, Air Canada has leveraged the aircraft to expand its network. Since its introduction in January 2020, Air Canada’s A220 fleet has flown to more than 70 destinations, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency in connecting passengers across a variety of routes.
Superior Performance and Sustainability Features
The A220-300 stands out as one of the most advanced aircraft in the single-aisle market. Designed to carry between 100 and 150 passengers, it boasts an impressive range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 kilometers). The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art GTF engines, which deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to older generation aircraft.
In addition to its fuel efficiency, the A220 supports sustainability efforts through its capability to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus has set an ambitious target for all its aircraft to operate with up to 100% SAF by 2030, underlining its commitment to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.
Air Canada’s Growing Airbus Fleet
As of November 2024, Air Canada operates a diverse fleet of 134 Airbus aircraft, including models from the A320 Family, the A330 Family, and the A220-300 series. The airline is also set to expand its Airbus fleet further with an order for 26 A321XLR aircraft, known for their extended range and fuel efficiency.
The addition of the A220-300 strengthens Air Canada’s fleet renewal strategy, which focuses on integrating next-generation aircraft that offer superior operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
Global Success of the A220 Program
The A220 program continues to gain momentum globally. By the end of November 2024, Airbus had received nearly 900 orders for the A220 from 32 customers worldwide, with close to 380 aircraft already delivered. Currently in operation with 23 airlines, the A220 fleet serves more than 1,500 routes across 460 destinations worldwide.
With its combination of fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort, the A220 has solidified its position as a leader in the small single-aisle market. The aircraft’s success reflects a growing demand for sustainable aviation solutions and the ability to adapt to a wide range of operational needs.
For Air Canada, the continued investment in the A220 aligns with its vision for a modern, sustainable fleet that meets the demands of the evolving aviation landscape. This latest order reaffirms the airline’s commitment to innovation and its partnership with Airbus as a cornerstone of its strategic growth.
