Air Canada has ordered five additional Airbus A220-300 aircraft, bringing its total firm orders for this model to 65. The announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary of Air Canada’s first A220 delivery in December 2019.
The airline originally ordered 45 A220-300s in 2016, followed by an additional order for 15 in 2022. With this latest agreement, Air Canada continues to prioritize fleet renewal to improve operational efficiency and support its growth strategy.
Supporting Growth and Canadian Aerospace
John Di Bert, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, expressed satisfaction with the A220’s performance over the years. “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 routes with an aircraft that has the right economics to support our profitable growth strategy. It is also very popular with customers. 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 A220-300 aircraft are assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, reinforcing the country’s aerospace industry. Air Canada became the launch operator of the A220-300 in North America in January 2020 and has since deployed the aircraft on over 70 destinations.
Efficiency and Sustainability
Airbus highlights the A220-300 as a leader in efficiency for its size category. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the aircraft reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat by 25% compared to older aircraft models. It can also operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s Executive Vice President of Sales Commercial Aircraft, commented on Air Canada’s ongoing investment in the A220. “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.”
The A220-300 is equipped to carry between 100 and 150 passengers over a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 kilometers). Its design combines operational efficiency with passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for Air Canada’s growing network.
A Growing Airbus Fleet
As of November 2024, Air Canada’s Airbus fleet includes 134 aircraft, encompassing the A320 and A330 families in addition to the A220-300. The airline also holds an order for 26 A321XLR aircraft.
Globally, Airbus has secured nearly 900 orders for the A220 from 32 customers, with close to 380 aircraft delivered by November 2024. The A220 operates on over 1,500 routes and connects more than 460 destinations worldwide.
