Air Canada Orders up to 16 Airbus A350-1000s to Support International Network Growth

Air Canada has announced the placement of a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000s with options for eight more.  Air Canada’s first delivery of this state-of-the-art long-haul widebody aircraft is scheduled for 2030.

Air Canada Airbus A350-1000 Rendering - Courtesy Airbus

On Wednesday (February 11, 2026), Air Canada announced the next phase of their fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft.  The carrier will welcome eight aircraft to their fleet, and has purchase rights for eight more.  The aircraft will be central to the carrier’s global expansion, enabling seamless, nonstop connectivity from Canada to high-growth markets across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.  Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.  Airbus previously listed this order as ‘undisclosed’ in November 2025.  The A350-1000 order is in addition to 14 widebody Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners on order, which are expected to start entering service later this year.  The carrier will also receive the first of 30 Airbus A321XLRS in the coming months, and continues to take delivery of new Canadian-assembled Airbus A220s, with 23 of the type remaining on the firm order for 65.

In Wednesday’s announcement, Air Canada’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Air Canada Cargo, Mark Galardo, said,

“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.”

Also commenting on the widebody aircraft order, Air Canada’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer, John Di Bert, added,

“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 modernization 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.”

In a subsequent press release from Airbus on Thursday (February 12, 2026), Airbus’ EVP Sales – Commercial Aircraft, Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, said,

“Air Canada’s selection of the A350-1000 to lead its long-haul fleet strategy is a strong testament to the most technologically advanced widebody on the market.  This decision is not only about fleet modernisation, it is also about Air Canada’s ambition to set new standards in range, performance and customer satisfaction which we are proud to support.”

Fabricated with lighter weight materials, and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB97 engines, the A350-1000 is expected to deliver a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and a smaller noise footprint compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.  The aircraft also offers an impressive range of up to 9,000 nautical miles.  Additionally, the cabin has been designed to be pressurized to only 6,000 feet to reduce stress on the body, minimize jet lag and deliver a noticeably more comfortable travel experience.  The new A350-1000s will come equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens and connectivity, as well as Air Canada’s new cabin standard, which is being introduced later this year.

Source(s): Air Canada, Airbus