Boeing and Air Canada have jointly announced a significant development in the carrier’s plans to modernize and expand its fleet. Air Canada, the nation’s flag carrier, has placed an order for 18 787-10 widebody jets from Boeing, with the option to acquire an additional 12. This move aligns with Air Canada’s broader strategy of reducing carbon emissions while simultaneously expanding its global route network.
Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada, emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. He noted that passengers have shown great enthusiasm for flying on the Dreamliner, prompting the decision to offer a larger version of this popular aircraft. Moreover, the new Dreamliner variant will feature a state-of-the-art interior cabin design. Rousseau also highlighted the 787’s exceptional fuel efficiency, which will not only generate operational cost savings but also contribute to Air Canada’s sustainability goals of emission reduction.
The Boeing 787 is renowned for its fuel efficiency and enhanced performance, boasting up to a 25% improvement compared to previous generation jets. By introducing these aircraft into its fleet, Air Canada aims to make significant strides in achieving its ambitious environmental objectives over the coming decades. The airline will leverage the Dreamliner’s operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness as it expands its international routes, both in established and emerging markets.
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Air Canada would soon operate one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody fleets with the 787 Dreamliner family. He emphasized that the 787-10 variant would provide Air Canada with increased flexibility and uniformity across its extensive network, connecting Canadian travelers to destinations worldwide.
Air Canada’s current fleet includes 38 787 aircraft, comprising eight 787-8 and 30 787-9 jets. The newly acquired 787-10, the largest model in the family, can accommodate up to 336 passengers and boasts an impressive range of 6,330 nautical miles (approximately 11,730 kilometers).
This decision to opt for the 787 Dreamliner family signifies Air Canada’s commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation within the Canadian aviation sector. Canada plays a pivotal role in Boeing’s global supply chain, with over 550 Canadian suppliers contributing. The 787 program alone benefits from the support of more than a dozen Canadian suppliers, including Boeing’s aerospace composite manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Annually, Boeing injects approximately CAD $4 billion into Canada’s economy, supporting over 14,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Since entering revenue service in 2011, the 787 family has significantly expanded global connectivity by introducing over 370 new nonstop routes. It has garnered an impressive tally of more than 1,760 orders from 87 different customers, with over 870 repeat orders from 56 loyal customers. In the past year alone, the 787 has received commitments and orders exceeding 295. Remarkably, nearly half of all 787 Dreamliner operators incorporate multiple variants into their fleets, and four airlines either operate or plan to operate fleets encompassing all three variants.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, boeing.com
