Air Canada has become the latest operator to take delivery of their first Airbus A220.
The airline has taken delivery of an A220-300 (the longer length version of the A220). This delivery marks the first time a North American operator is operating this variant of type in the region (with Delta being the North American launch operator of the A220-100).
It was delivered from the Mirabel facility near Montreal.
Air Canada will take delivery of 45 of the type in total. They will be used on both Candian Domestic routes as well as Transborder routes to the United States of America.
In terms of configuration, the airline will configure the aircraft in a two-class configuration, with 12 Business Class seats (in a 2-2 configuration), and a 125 seats in Economy Class (in a 2-3 layout).
In Quotes
Michael Rousseau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada said.
“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 modernisation. 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
Philippe Balducchi, CEO, Airbus Canada Limited Partnership and Head of Country, Canada for Airbus said
“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,” said
First services
As identified some time ago, Air Canada will launch new services using the A220-300 between Montreal to Seattle as well as Toronto to San Jose, as of Spring 2020.
The aircraft with its interior will be unveiled on the 15th January 2020 at Air Canada’s headquarters in Montreal.
Upwards for the A220
Interest continues to grow in the Airbus A220, with the aircraft now with six operators and over 100 frames delivered – a far cry from the day of the CSeries, where interest was a lot more muted.
With the airline positioned as a replacement for the A318 and A319, whilst complimenting the A320 families – the fight with Boeing and Embraer in the 100-150 seat count market could be one to watch as we go into next year
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