MONTRÉAL, Québec — February 11, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Air Canada has announced the next phase of its fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft. The airline will add eight aircraft to its fleet and has rights to purchase eight more A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
According to Air Canada, the acquisition of the Airbus A350-1000 will further solidify its position as a leading global airline through the next decade. The company says 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 its customers.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada, said these highly capable aircraft complement the existing fleet by providing flexibility in support of a growing, resilient, and diversified future network. He added that the Airbus A350-1000 will play a central role in defining Air Canada’s next era, connecting its customers, its hubs, and the country to the world.
John Di Bert, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Air Canada, said the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to the fleet is a forward-looking investment that strengthens Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency. According to Di Bert, these aircraft will deliver improved operating economics, enhance operational reliability, and ensure that Air Canada remains competitive across its global network. The aircraft’s lighter materials and advanced engines deliver meaningful fuel-burn improvements versus the aircraft they replace, supporting the company’s financial and environmental objectives. He added that this order is another step in the modernization of the fleet and is aligned with its capital allocation priorities and its target to maintain capital investments at or below 12 per cent of revenues.
According to Airbus, customers will experience the quietest twin-aisle cabin available. It is designed to be pressurized to only 6,000 feet to reduce stress on the body, minimize jet lag and deliver a noticeably more comfortable travel experience. The A350-1000 will come equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment screens and connectivity, as well as Air Canada’s new cabin standard, which is being introduced later this year.
Airbus estimates that, powered by the XWB97 engine from Rolls Royce and fabricated using lighter weight materials, the aircraft will deliver up to a 25 percent fuel consumption reduction compared to the previous generation aircraft. The A350-1000 has a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.
The order for eight A350-1000s is in addition to the 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners expected to start entering service later this year. Air Canada is also set to welcome in the coming months the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs. Air Canada also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-assembled Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. An additional five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on lease, are expected to service in 2026.
These aircraft will enter service with Air Canada’s next generation cabin design and standard, including enhanced connectivity and in-flight entertainment offerings.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance. Headquartered in Montréal, Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, with more than 10 million members worldwide. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX (AC) in Canada and the OTCQX (ACDVF) in the US.
Source: Air Canada
