Air TransportAir Canada orders eight Airbus A350-1000s
Air Canada has placed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft, the airline’s first commitment to the A350 program as part of its long-haul fleet strategy.
The order, previously listed as undisclosed in November 2025, includes rights to purchase eight additional A350-1000s. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
“Air Canada’s acquisition of the Airbus A350-1000 will further solidify our position as a leading global airline through the next decade,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada. “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.”
Powered by Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000 has a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles (16,668 km), enabling nonstop services from Canada to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. Airbus estimates the aircraft delivers up to 25% lower fuel consumption compared with previous-generation widebodies.
The A350-1000 will become the largest aircraft in Air Canada’s fleet once delivered. The airline currently operates six Boeing 777-200s and 19 Boeing 777-300ERs, with an average fleet age of about 16 years.
Although Air Canada did not specify any replacement plans, the A350-1000 is expected to take over the role of some 777-300ER aircraft in the fleet, as the two types offer similar passenger capacity. Boeing’s direct competitor to the A350-1000 is the 777X, though that program remains delayed and faces a substantial order backlog.
The order comes as Air Canada advances a wider fleet renewal program. The carrier expects to begin taking delivery of 14 Boeing 787-10 aircraft later this year and is preparing to introduce 30 Airbus A321XLRs. It also continues to receive Airbus A220s and has additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on lease scheduled to enter service in 2026.
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