Air Canada has confirmed an order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2030, as part of a wider fleet modernisation strategy. Robbie Hodges reports

Air Canada has announced the next phase of its fleet renewal programme with an order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The airline also holds purchase rights for an additional eight A350-1000s. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.

The Airbus A350-1000 will become a new flagship widebody for the carrier, strengthening its long-haul network. With a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles, the aircraft is designed to operate ultra-long-distance routes while carrying a full passenger and cargo load.

Air Canada is not the only airline heavily investing in long and ultra-long haul aircraft. As noted in the Travel Trends 2026 Report by Amadeus, produced by Globetrender, industry-wide investment in such planes promises to collapse cultural distances and shrink time spent in transit in the years ahead as travellers increasingly bypass typical transit hubs and fly direct. This "Point-to-Point Precision" is putting overlooked second cities on the map and affecting expectations for experience design across carriers.

Mark Galardo, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, and president of cargo at Air Canada, says: “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.”

The A350-1000 is powered by the Rolls-Royce XWB97 engine and built using lighter-weight materials. According to Airbus, it can deliver up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous generation aircraft. The airline says these efficiency gains will support both financial performance and environmental targets.

John Di Bert, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Air Canada, says: “The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet is a forward-looking investment that strengthens Air Canada’s long-term cost efficiency.

“These aircraft will deliver improved operating economics, enhance our operational reliability, and ensure we remain competitive across our global network. The aircraft’s lighter materials and advanced engines deliver meaningful fuel-burn improvements versus the aircraft they replace, supporting our financial and environmental objectives. This order is another step in the modernisation of our fleet and is aligned with our capital allocation priorities and our target to maintain capital investments at or below 12 per cent of revenues.”

Airbus also states that the A350-1000 features the quietest twin-aisle cabin in service. The aircraft is designed to be pressurised to 6,000 feet, which can help reduce fatigue and jet lag on long-haul flights. It will be equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment screens and connectivity, alongside Air Canada’s new cabin standard, which is due to be introduced later this year.

The Airbus A350-1000 order forms part of a broader fleet renewal strategy. Air Canada is expecting 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners to begin entering service later this year. It will also take delivery of 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft in the coming months, aimed at expanding its medium and long-range narrowbody operations.

In addition, the airline continues to receive Canadian-assembled Airbus A220 aircraft, with 23 remaining from its firm order of 65. Five leased Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are also expected to enter service in 2026.