Airlines Air Canada receives first Airbus A220-300

Over the course of a delivery ceremony held in Mirabel, Canada, Air Canada has taken delivery of its very first Airbus A220-300. The first aircraft out of an order for 45 will enter regular service in January 2020.

Air Canada has become the first airline to operate an Airbus A220-300 in the country. This first delivery also marks a new milestone for the flag-carrier, as it is currently modernizing its fleet.

The A220-300 from Air Canada has been configured with 137 seats. 12 passengers can be accommodated in business class and 125 in economy class. This dual-class variant provides Air Canada with more travel experience options for its passengers.

“This is a highly anticipated moment for Air Canada as we welcome this game-changing aircraft into our fleet, the next step in our fleet modernization. It will not only allow us to transport our customers in comfort, but also further our environmental commitment with its improved efficiency. The A220 will enable Air Canada to strengthen our position on transborder and transcontinental markets and will be key to our continued growth. Our customers will benefit from the A220’s innovative design features, including a choice of two spacious and comfortable cabins, larger overhead bins, bigger windows and a quieter experience in flight,” said Michael Rousseau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada.

Philippe Balducchi, CEO, Airbus Canada Limited Partnership and Head of Country, Canada for Airbus added: “This delivery is a historical moment and makes all of us at Airbus Canada extremely proud. In just a few weeks, Canadians will be able to fly on board this Canadian-designed and assembled aircraft for the first time in Air Canada’s distinctive and emblematic Maple Leaf livery that symbolizes Canada around the world.”

With the A220, Air Canada has to possibility to open new routes that were previously not feasible. In connection with the improved performance, economics and comfort, the aircraft will help Air Canada to strengthen its presence in the Canadian regional market.

Produced in Canada, the A220 is one of the quietest, cleanest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. Compared to previous-generation aircraft, the A220 features a 50% reduction on noise footprint and 50% lower NOx emission than industry standards.