Air Canada Orders Five More A220-300 Aircraft to Expand Fleet

In a move that underscores its ongoing fleet renewal strategy, Air Canada has signed a firm order with Airbus for five additional A220-300 aircraft. This announcement comes on the fifth anniversary of Air Canada’s first A220 delivery in December 2019, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet development.

The airline originally placed an order in 2016 for 45 A220-300s and followed up with a re-order in 2022 for 15 more. With this latest order, Air Canada’s total firm commitment to the A220-300 stands at 65 aircraft.

John Di Bert, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada, commented:
“The A220 has delivered on its promises for Air Canada in its five years of service. It has allowed us to open new routes and enhance service on existing ones, all while providing the right economics to support our profitable growth strategy. It’s also proven incredibly popular with our customers. We’re proud to add five more of these aircraft, which are built just up the road from our Montreal headquarters in Mirabel, Quebec, further supporting Canada’s aerospace sector.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales (Commercial Aircraft) at Airbus, responded:
“This is Air Canada’s third order for the A220 in just a few years, highlighting the aircraft’s popularity and performance. The A220 is the most efficient aircraft in its size category, offering superior comfort and range, making it a perfect fit for Air Canada’s expanding network. We’re proud to continue our partnership with this flagship carrier as it moves forward with its fleet renewal program.”

A220’s Performance and Impact

Air Canada became the A220-300 launch operator in North America in January 2020, and the aircraft has since become an essential part of the airline’s fleet. Air Canada’s A220 fleet now services over 70 destinations globally. Assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, the A220 is a flagship product of Canada’s aerospace industry.

The A220 offers unmatched efficiency with the longest range, lowest fuel consumption, and widest cabin in its class, carrying between 100 to 150 passengers on routes of up to 3,600 nautical miles (nm). Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines, the A220 delivers 25% less fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Moreover, as part of Airbus’ sustainability efforts, the A220 can operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) today, with the goal of enabling all its aircraft to use 100% SAF by 2030.

Airbus and Air Canada: Strengthening Ties

As of November 2024, Air Canada operates a fleet of 134 Airbus aircraft, including models from the A320 Family, A330 Family, and A220-300 series, and has additional orders for 26 A321XLRs.

The A220’s success continues globally. As of November 2024, Airbus has received nearly 900 orders for the A220 from 32 customers, with almost 380 aircraft delivered. The A220 is in service with 23 operators worldwide, flying to over 1,500 routes and more than 460 destinations globally, solidifying its leadership in the small single-aisle market.