In the aviation industry, continuous expansion and renewal are crucial for sustained growth and customer satisfaction. In line with this, Air Canada, a major player in the industry, is set to increase its fleet capacity with the addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. It is reported that the airline is negotiating a deal with Boeing for the purchase of between 15 and 20 of these highly sophisticated aircraft. This move not only showcases the airline’s ambition for growth but also the desire to keep their fleet modern, with their current wide-body aircraft fleet boasting an average age of 12.06 years.
Revamping Long-Haul Operations
Air Canada’s long-haul fleet already includes an array of Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and 787 passenger aircraft. The latest addition was a Boeing 787-9, accepted by Air Canada in April 2023. In the recent past, the airline had also welcomed two Boeing 767Fs in June 2022, another Boeing 787-9 in February 2019, and two second-hand Airbus A330s. In addition to these, Air Canada brought a Boeing 777-300ER back from storage.
On top of these passenger aircraft, the airline also operates several Boeing 767 freighters, including conversions from passenger to cargo. One such conversion, the C-FXCA, is currently underway.
Future Fleet Plans and Financial Growth
According to Air Canada’s Q1 2023 financial results presentation, their fleet expansion plans for 2023 and 2024 are already laid out. This year, the airline plans to include two Boeing 787-9s, a 767F, and an Airbus A330 aircraft. For the following year, the additions will comprise two Boeing 767Fs, a 777F, and a 787-9 aircraft.
Despite ending Q1 2023 with a net income of CAD4 million ($2.9 million) and an adjusted net loss of CAD188 million ($139.5 million), the CEO of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, remains optimistic. He highlighted that Air Canada’s Q1 2023 results surpassed both internal and external expectations. Alongside lower-than-expected fuel costs, this prompted the company to raise its adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance.
In conclusion, Air Canada’s plan to add Boeing 787 Dreamliners to their fleet underscores the airline’s commitment to growth, modernization, and superior customer service. With a strategic vision and a progressive approach to managing its resources, Air Canada sets a positive example for other players in the aviation industry.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
