Air Canada has just announced a very exciting aircraft order, which I think many of us were anticipating.
In this post:
Air Canada will fly the Airbus A350-1000 as of 2030
Air Canada has placed an order for up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s. This includes a firm order for eight of the jets, plus options for eight more, with deliveries expected start in the second half of 2030.
The A350-1000 is an incredibly capable plane with great unit costs and impressive range, and it’s among my favorite planes to fly. Air Canada notes how the plane has the range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles, which will allow the airline to fly just about anywhere it could want to go, with operating costs that are 25% lower than on previous generation aircraft.
Air Canada’s wide body fleet currently consists of Boeing 787s (787-8s and 787-9s) Boeing 777s (777-200LRs and 777-300ERs), and Airbus A330s.
The airline is currently further modernizing its long haul fleet with 14 Boeing 787-10s, as well as 30 Airbus 321XLRs, with deliveries expected within the coming year. That’s in addition to this new Airbus order. All of these planes will enter service with Air Canada’s next generation cabin design and standard, including enhanced inflight entertainment and connectivity.
Air Canada is only the second airline in North America to order the A350-1000, after Delta. Here’s how Air Canada Chief Commercial Officer Mark Galardo describes this A350 order:
“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”
“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.”
Why the Airbus A350-1000 is an important plane for Air Canada
The Airbus A350-1000 will unlock a new era of ultra long haul flying for Air Canada. Canada of course has great geography for connecting North America (including the United States) to destinations like Asia and Europe, particularly via its hubs in Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR). The airline has a better cost structure than US carriers, given the weakness of the CAD compared to the USD.
The thing is, there’s value in having a large, fuel efficient plane for ultra long haul flights, so that the economics of that kind of service can work. The 787-9 is a great plane, but isn’t exactly huge. Meanwhile the 787-10 offers extra capacity, but has reduced range, so it can’t go that deep into Asia.
Ultimately I’d view the A350-1000 as a replacement for the 777-300ER, with all kinds of advantages, from range to fuel efficiency. Just for context, Air Canada’s 777-300ERs seat 336-450 passengers (yes, there are some high density layouts!), while Air Canada’s 787-9s seat “just” 298 passengers. So the airline really wants a latest generation aircraft that can have a high capacity and fly long distances, and the A350-1000 perfectly fits that bill. I can’t wait to learn about the onboard product (though I imagine we’ll have to be patient).
Bottom line
Air Canada has placed an order for up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s, with eight firm orders and eight options. Deliveries are expected as of the second half of 2030. The A350-1000 is an incredible plane, and it will serve an important purpose in Air Canada’s fleet, operating ultra long haul flights while offering high capacity. Think of it as a replacement and significant improvement over the 777-300ER.
What do you make of Air Canada’s A350-1000 order?
In other A350 news, UA filed its 10K (annual report to shareholders) yesterday and does not list any firm deliveries for the A350 but continues to list it under its commitments.
The Airline Observer says that UA continues to try to sue Rolls Royce to get the terms of UA's original A350 order applied to a deliveries that would be more than decade later.
UA says they will take the A350s if they...
In other A350 news, UA filed its 10K (annual report to shareholders) yesterday and does not list any firm deliveries for the A350 but continues to list it under its commitments.
The Airline Observer says that UA continues to try to sue Rolls Royce to get the terms of UA's original A350 order applied to a deliveries that would be more than decade later.
UA says they will take the A350s if they win but will wait for the 777X if they lose.
The upshot seems to be that United is willing to allow AC and DL to have all of the advantages of operating the A350 including the A350-1000 for years while UA tries to force Rolls Royce to honor prices that are over a decade old on a contract which UA has pushed back multiple times.
Happy to see this order. the A350-1000 is easily my favorite model to fly on, these days.
The sooner we process and make Canada fly under the US banner, the better it'll be for the Canadian people. It is just absurd that a decision like this doesn't need to go through US approval.
It's an act of declaration of war that Air Canada stops using Boeings.
Yes, Mr Putin or is it Xi?
Hitler will be applauding you from his burning place in hell.
It says a lot that Americans refuse to consider the possibility that we are perfectly capable of destroying ourselves without Putin or Xi's help. The fact that over 40% of Americans are all for Trump says it all
A website with no checks or balances against spurious comments from all-comers will soon loose credibility, yes?
Indian.
Hardly old bean …. a very patriotic English Gentleman actually …. you?
Garbage Euro-trash aircraft. Should have waited for the 777-9.
the 777-9 will splash down in the ocean 1000 miles or more short of what the A350-1000 can do.
The 777-8 might match the A350-1000 in range and size - but Boeing hasn't even gotten the 777X certified.
Air Canada made the right decision based on products that are actually in service now.
Even UA might be forced to take delivery of the 777X in order to keep DL from running away w/ the range...
the 777-9 will splash down in the ocean 1000 miles or more short of what the A350-1000 can do.
The 777-8 might match the A350-1000 in range and size - but Boeing hasn't even gotten the 777X certified.
Air Canada made the right decision based on products that are actually in service now.
Even UA might be forced to take delivery of the 777X in order to keep DL from running away w/ the range and capacity advantage that the 35K will give DL but UA will be waiting well into the 2030s for either the 35K or the 777-8
ORD, the U.S. MAGA propaganda machine has certainly contaminated your brain cell old weed.
No, I'm just a Boeing partisan and always have been. Airbuses are flaming garbage.
and that is the problem.
Being loyal is fine. Being partisan to the exclusion of facts is irrational.
The A350 is simply a larger and more capable aircraft.
AA and UA are 2 of the few global airlines that are not flying both Airbus and Boeing widebodies.
I gotta love how onesided the beef with the US is and the way Canadians try to use every opportunity to talk about it.
Ultimately, Canada is the one suffering from GDP stagnation due to this. The Airbus is an excellent aircraft, it hardly matters if this is done to slight Boeing or not. It's not like Air Canada isn't taking deliveries of Boeing aircraft in the future either.
One finds that U.S. based commentators believe that they are entitled to criticise anything Canadian, however, when the shoe is on the other foot, they squeal like stuck pigs. One has to wonder why? …. :-)
As AeroB13aBOT does not take its own advice by logging in, etc, therefore, why should anyone ever believe that the Bot has posted?
1990Bot, your name and with it your credibility has been lost. I gather from the previous posts of others that your opinion will not be missed by them, speaking personally, I often enjoy our robust written intercourse. However, I can soon become bored darlink …. :-)
Your loss if you are honest with yourself.
Because seppos are the most arrogant yet pathetic people.
The one-sided beef is perhaps in part due to the fact that certain factions of the US keep threatening to invade or attempt to annex the country. The close relationship that existed between the two countries has been severed for a generation. Canada's GDP growth is indeed poor. There are, however, other measures. The US dollar has lost a tenth of its value against a broad basket of currencies. As a result, in foreign-currency terms,...
The one-sided beef is perhaps in part due to the fact that certain factions of the US keep threatening to invade or attempt to annex the country. The close relationship that existed between the two countries has been severed for a generation. Canada's GDP growth is indeed poor. There are, however, other measures. The US dollar has lost a tenth of its value against a broad basket of currencies. As a result, in foreign-currency terms, the performance of American assets has been poor. (The Economist, February 7th-13th 2026, p. 11). Canada holds almost a half a trillion in US treasury bills. In all, about $8 Trillion are floating around outside the US. There is a cost to all US citizens for the $10 Walmart toaster that is made in China. Purchase of the Airbus was not done to slight the US ego. Individual Canadians are doing that by buying oranges from Morocco rather than from Florida. The 350-1000 is a good plane for long flights that require significant capacity. It is the only plane currently available for that purpose. It was a business decision. If Boeing had done a better job, perhaps Air Canada would have chosen the mythical 777x which Delta, American and United have not yet ordered
How is it one sided when the US threatens to invade Canada every couple of months or so
And just to add, I think I prefer the titles off-centered and slightly pushed to the right just like the past two liveries. The current one just seems too "in front" if that makes sense.
This isn't a B777-200LR or an A330-300 replacement. That's the work of the B787-10/B787-9.
This will supplement/replace the B777-300ER. The oldest of which will be 24/25 years by 2030.
The A350-1000 in an Air Canada configuration will seat way more than the B777-200LR. In 9-abreast, it will still seat less than a B777-300ER but the difference won't be much. The total seat capacity will be around 370-400 seats.
I still see Air Canada...
This isn't a B777-200LR or an A330-300 replacement. That's the work of the B787-10/B787-9.
This will supplement/replace the B777-300ER. The oldest of which will be 24/25 years by 2030.
The A350-1000 in an Air Canada configuration will seat way more than the B777-200LR. In 9-abreast, it will still seat less than a B777-300ER but the difference won't be much. The total seat capacity will be around 370-400 seats.
I still see Air Canada ordering more B787 and A350 in the future but I don't think they will be buying the A350-900, the B787-9HGW will fullfil most of their requirements in that segment.
Phenomenal. Well done AC. A great airplane and very pleased to see the airline NOT order from Boeing. A well deserved slap in the face to America and American industry.
This is a good choice by Air Canada. As for Boeing, there really needed to be accountability after the Max incidents. Instead, they've gotten off, basically, by bribing this administration, which has happily participated in the graft and corruption. That combined with corporate greed, and their failure to actually deliver 779 and other products timely is a real concern. I hope American industries can rebound, because these are good jobs, and it used to be...
This is a good choice by Air Canada. As for Boeing, there really needed to be accountability after the Max incidents. Instead, they've gotten off, basically, by bribing this administration, which has happily participated in the graft and corruption. That combined with corporate greed, and their failure to actually deliver 779 and other products timely is a real concern. I hope American industries can rebound, because these are good jobs, and it used to be our strength as a nation.
As 1990Bot does not take its own advice by logging in, etc, therefore, why should anyone ever believe that the Bot has posted?
Quiet, Fake AeroB13a. Don't speak.
Trust me OMAATBot, I am not speaking, I am simply finger typing on my iPad don’t you know! Additionally, providing clicks for Ben, your excuse is?
I’m happy that Canadians will soon be able to enjoy this wonderful product, hopefully while relocating to a country that doesn’t feel the need to tip-toe around the fact that a trans lunatic just murdered half a dozen of their children. While this Orwellian-style omission of fact from the government and press is not as blatant as what we’ve seen from India the last few months, I’d be sick to my stomach if I were a Canadian, and that’s saying a lot from an American.
MAGA is filth.
This was covered in the press. The Prime Minister made a statement in Parliament. Flags are flying at half staff. Many in this country are mourning. This kind of mass shooting event in the US is called Tuesday. I look forward to flying to places other than the US on the new planes.
How the heck did you get from an Airbus A350 to trans people?? Firstly the gender identity of the suspect has been covered. Secondly why do you feel the need to use this comments section to swerve onto a completely unrelated subject? Feel free to shout at clouds.
Long due, and with more air space closures / restrictions today due to geo political issues, A351 giving that extra bit in range always helps.
The 779 is never going to get certified or enter commercial service.
I'm not a Boeing-fanboy by any means, but it will eventually. It's indicative of systemic problems at the plane-maker that need to be remedied. I blame corporate greed for continuing to seek profits over lives and over actually delivering. There should have been a reckoning after the Max incidents (and there was going to be), but then this administration stepped-in to save them from the limited accountability they were about face (fines, slap on the...
I'm not a Boeing-fanboy by any means, but it will eventually. It's indicative of systemic problems at the plane-maker that need to be remedied. I blame corporate greed for continuing to seek profits over lives and over actually delivering. There should have been a reckoning after the Max incidents (and there was going to be), but then this administration stepped-in to save them from the limited accountability they were about face (fines, slap on the wrist, something, anything). Instead, now Boeing feels emboldened to quash whistleblowers and can't handle delivering anything but delayed Maxes, 787s, and cargo.
As 1990Bot does not take its own advice by logging in, etc, therefore, why should anyone ever believe that which the Bot has posted?
Quiet, Fake AeroB13a. Don't speak.
Air Canada has has apparently gone back in time as they've operated Airbuses for long-haul and ultra-long-haul with the A343 and A345 respectively 20+ years ago, so this order just seems fitting 20 years later along with past experience they've had with Airbus on long-hauls.
If they need anything larger, they can either order the proposed A350-1100/2000 if that ever comes to fruition or wait for a much friendly administration and order some 779s....
Air Canada has has apparently gone back in time as they've operated Airbuses for long-haul and ultra-long-haul with the A343 and A345 respectively 20+ years ago, so this order just seems fitting 20 years later along with past experience they've had with Airbus on long-hauls.
If they need anything larger, they can either order the proposed A350-1100/2000 if that ever comes to fruition or wait for a much friendly administration and order some 779s.
For product, I wouldn't expect more than what we're seeing now. Reverse-herringbone seats (or suites) in business, the Panasonic Astrova IFE system, updated colour palette and not much else! the only thing that remains to be seen is if they include the cameras on the IFE from the factory.
And while not related to the order, why do I think that the titles would've looked better in red for a more "retro" look?!
"Air Canada’s next generation cabin design" you say? Details, please.
28" non reclining pitch in Y.
More terrible deflating seats in J?
While I'm sure that this aircraft was in the planning for Air Canada I am also certain that it fit well into a turn towards Airbus for the foreseeable future. I don't think people here (i.e. Tim Dunn) truly understand the depths of anger that Canadians feel towards the U.S. right now. Rightfully so.
oh, I get it.
that anger just had nothing to do with why AC ordered the A350.
as for trade wars, Canada has benefitted far more from a relationship with the US than the other way around. that is a fact.
and if Canada really wanted to show its anger toward the US in aviation, then it would require all orders of Boeing aircraft be cancelled - and that is not happening.
the...
oh, I get it.
that anger just had nothing to do with why AC ordered the A350.
as for trade wars, Canada has benefitted far more from a relationship with the US than the other way around. that is a fact.
and if Canada really wanted to show its anger toward the US in aviation, then it would require all orders of Boeing aircraft be cancelled - and that is not happening.
the A350 is simply a superior ultra long haul aircraft.
Sometimes, the obvious answer IS the answer and, in this case, politics really doesn't matter.
Thank you for confirming what I said. Which is that the order conveniently fit inwards toward the anger. Which is justified.
Yes, politics does matter when it works in your favor as to messaging. This was a message.
Ben, I disagree with your premise that the 35K will replace the 77W. It’s more likely they will replace the 777LRs. The economics are better, and the range is enough.
Air Canada have said the A35Ks will replace the 789s ultra long haul flying, which will shift over to replacing A333s. Given the specific ULR mission, I imagine that will cover the longest 77W routes and the 77Ls too. I imagine the 78X/789 combination will be balanced between upgauging A330 routes and growth.
Depending on how the political situation develops, I think a 779 order is still possible, but assuming it doesn't get better I...
Air Canada have said the A35Ks will replace the 789s ultra long haul flying, which will shift over to replacing A333s. Given the specific ULR mission, I imagine that will cover the longest 77W routes and the 77Ls too. I imagine the 78X/789 combination will be balanced between upgauging A330 routes and growth.
Depending on how the political situation develops, I think a 779 order is still possible, but assuming it doesn't get better I see AC just ordering more A35Ks, maybe even some A359s. I'm honestly surprised their A350 initial order is so small.
Just one more company pulling away from doing business with an unreliable trade partner...
no.
The A350 is simply a superior product to anything that Boeing builds right now.
Airbus has done it with multiple products competitive with Boeing products.
Air Canada is simply willing to operate a fairly small subfleet of A350-1000s to have the capabilities and economics that they cannot get out of their current or any future Boeing fleet
Between you and Ed Bastian, is there enough room at Airpus' butthole for both of you to lick at the same time?
Your common place crudity knows no bounds ORD. The proceedings which you so graphically describe, may well be commonplace in your household, however, why do you feel the need to share that information with others?
Your common place crudity knows no bounds ORD. The proceedings which you so graphically describe, may well be commonplace in your household, however, why do you feel the need to share that information with others?
Because of my general hatred for humanity. It frees my conscience up to make comments like that.
Actually ORD, from an outsider’s perspective you are demonstrating a complete lack of self respect and self control.
Moreover, a clinical psychologist might diagnose something seriously amiss with your personality don’t you know?
A certain someone will have a meltdown about this in Truth Social.
Mark alluded to me that they will change the tray table position so it doesnt block the hips of larger side sleepers like it does today, can't wait to see the new products !
Lol Air Canada has 8 A330 that will be 30 years old when the 350s come, and a bunch more 330s that came from TAP/SQ.
ACs 777 fleet is new for and airline like AC that loves ancient planes
Those A330-300s will be replaced by the 787-10 which will be delivered before the A350-1000.
yet another global airline chooses Airbus for the superior product that is the A350.
The fact that AC is taking a pretty small number of 35Ks compared to the size of its total widebody fleet says that they intend to use it on the longest routes.
The chances are that AC will have a much more dense configuration than DL. Routes like YYZ to India can easily be done by the 35K with 350 or...
yet another global airline chooses Airbus for the superior product that is the A350.
The fact that AC is taking a pretty small number of 35Ks compared to the size of its total widebody fleet says that they intend to use it on the longest routes.
The chances are that AC will have a much more dense configuration than DL. Routes like YYZ to India can easily be done by the 35K with 350 or more passengers, routes that AC cannot operate nonstop year round in both directions.
welcome to the club, AC.
I see you will be waiting 4 years to get your A350-1000s.
and as an aside, DL's 10K is out and they will receive 8 35Ks in 2027 and 12 in 2028; their latest Airbus order fits in perfectly between the existing Airbus order including the 35Ks and the upcoming 787-10s in the early 2030s.
Then why did DL order 787-10s instead of more A350-1000s?
seriously?
because the 787-10 is lighter which gives it better economics on medium haul international flights - such as to Europe and S. America.
The A350-1000 is optimized for very long haul operations.
You do realize that Air Canada is pursuing the same strategy of using 787-10s and 35Ks?
It is AA and UA that are unique among major global N. American carriers that ARE NOT taking advantage of the best products from Airbus and Boeing.
"yOu Do rEaLiZe"
every. single. time.
when someone makes a statement for which the answer should be perfectly obvious, then a retort is appropriate
After years of mostly operating the Boeing widebodies, Air Canada is ordering another Airbus widebody (A350-1000).
Similar, after years of mostly operating the Airbus widebodies, Delta is ordering another Boeing widebody (787-10). Are they switching sides?
Air Canada has been impartial for a very long time.
Unfortunately the Oompa Loompa is likely causing them to be partial going forward. If I was a Canadian I definitely would favor Airbus over Boeing going forward.!
DL still operates the world's largest passenger 767 fleet which cumulatively numbered 124 aircraft in addition to 24 747s and 18 777s. Assuming DL exercises all of its 787 options - which they certainly will and may add on new orders as they have done Airbus - DL will replace all of its currently remaining 767s (at least one for one in number) with 787s.
AC and DL both recognize - like alot of airlines...
DL still operates the world's largest passenger 767 fleet which cumulatively numbered 124 aircraft in addition to 24 747s and 18 777s. Assuming DL exercises all of its 787 options - which they certainly will and may add on new orders as they have done Airbus - DL will replace all of its currently remaining 767s (at least one for one in number) with 787s.
AC and DL both recognize - like alot of airlines -that Airbus and Boeing both build great products and they will get the best from both sides of the Atlantic.
DL just will be in a better position to make its fleet diversity because of its engine maintenance overhaul rights.
Wonder if these are supposed to replace their B77Ls instead, which are older than their B77W fleet and close closer in capacity to the A35K.
i was thinking the same. I think using the A35Ks to replace the B77Ws (capacity wise) would require AC to go 3-4-3 on the A350 which would be a travesty.
Agreed. A35K is an excellent aircraft but its capacity is smaller than B77W. This order rather seems to be a replacement of B77L.
I think the replacing the 77Ls is what the 78X is for. Boeing will start delivering a revised version 787-9 and -10 that has increased range or capacity compared to older 787s. It’s sort of like Boeing’s equivalent to how Airbus revised the A350 design in 2022. While the 78X will still not have as much range as a 77L, I don’t think Air Canada has been using that extra range on their 77Ls. My...
I think the replacing the 77Ls is what the 78X is for. Boeing will start delivering a revised version 787-9 and -10 that has increased range or capacity compared to older 787s. It’s sort of like Boeing’s equivalent to how Airbus revised the A350 design in 2022. While the 78X will still not have as much range as a 77L, I don’t think Air Canada has been using that extra range on their 77Ls. My 2 cents is that the 787-10 and A35Ks will replace 77Ws, and AC could very well put 10 abreast in their A350s. Unlike other airlines like Korean Air which will acquire older A350s from Asiana, Air India which acquired older A350s originally for Aeroflot, or Swiss which is under the same parent company as airlines that have older A350s (Lufthansa and Edelweiss), AC will not take any pre-NPS A350s and will therefore not have to worry about making an economy layout consistent with older A350s, which would be harder to implement 10 abreast in.
Or more plausibly they’d reallocate aircraft within their network as they cycle out their oldest B77Ls and A333s. Such as by up-gauging YVR-NRT and YYZ-NRT, which are both currently operated by B789, surprisingly. Going with 10-abreast on the A35K would make them a first for non-LCCs…which doesn’t seem likely. As customers-unfriendly AC is, they usually still like to pretend to be a full-service carrier…
"Going with 10-abreast on the A35K would make them a first for non-LCCs…which doesn’t seem likely."
Philippine Airlines would be the first.