Air Canada is hoping that Airbus will offer the first of its 30 A321XLRs that it has ordered and held in the fourth quarter, adding to the ongoing updates of its Montreal-based carrier's narrowbody fleet.
Star Alliance Airline announced an update to its fleet renewal plan on March 28th.
Air Canada plans to acquire 15 other aircraft under a purchase agreement with Airbus, half of its latest generation narrowbody jets being leased.
Air Canada retains the option to receive 10 more A321XLRs between 2030 and 2032.
When placing an aircraft order in March 2022, Air Canada initially expected the first A321XLRS to arrive in the first quarter of 2024, based on Airbus' previous forecasts for the 2023 type certification.
The A321XLR is the longest range variant in Airbus' popular A321neo family. It is being sold as a game changer for transatlantic flights to small markets that do not support widebody operations.
In recent months, Airbus has achieved European and US certifications in both the CFM International and P&W-equipped variants of the A321XLR, clearing the delivery path.
Airbus launched customer Iberia in October with its first A321XLR delivered, and subsequently distributed it to IAG carrier AER Lingus.
North American airlines where this type is expected include Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines.
Americans also hope that delivery will begin this year, but United have previously said it will take its first A321XLR in January 2026.
While an important part of Air Canada's strategy, the A321XLR represents only one part of the wider fleet renewal plan with several moving parts.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Air Canada has retired much of its entire fleet of the old A320 Family Jets and Embraer E190s, supporting the new Boeing 737 Max 8s and A220-300.
Currently, it operates up to 8S and 34 A220s of 41, with more new narrow bodies along the way.
Air Canada plans to add up to eight to its fleet this year, with five more services expected in 2026. We look forward to an additional 34 A220 from 2027 to 2027.
In terms of wide body, Air Canada is hoping to deliver one 787-9 this year, completing the type of trio ordered in 2021. Plus, we look forward to starting delivery of the larger 787-10 next year. There are 18 787-10 solid orders, plus 12 more options.
On December 31st, Air Canada operated a fleet of 212 aircraft.
