- Airline converts options to bring to 60 its total confirmed
A220 order
- Advances Air Canada's modernization program for more
fuel-efficient fleet
MONTREAL, Oct. 26,
2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that
it has converted options for 15 Airbus A220-300 aircraft into firm
orders, bringing to 60 the total number of the Canadian-built
aircraft it will acquire for its fleet.
"This expanded order for the A220, built up the road from our
Montreal headquarters, is an
important development in the modernization of our fleet and a clear
indication that we are emerging from the pandemic solidly
positioned for the future. The A220 has become a mainstay of our
narrowbody fleet, and its performance and passenger comfort are
enabling us to compete effectively in the North American market,"
said Michael Rousseau, President and
Chief Executive of Air Canada. "We are also proud to support the
Canadian aerospace industry. This increased order will support jobs
at Airbus' Mirabel factory and
affirms Air Canada's positive economic impact in Montreal, Quebec and throughout Canada."
"This third re-order for the A220 in 2022 confirms the strong
confidence that airlines worldwide have for this game-changing
aircraft," said Benoît Schultz, CEO, Airbus Canada and Head of
country Canada for Airbus. "With
already over 30 aircraft in service in the country, this
Canadian-designed and built aircraft has positively contributed to
opening new routes as well as to making strides in reaching
ambitious environmental goals for Air Canada – thanks to its
unmatched efficiency."
"Today's announcement is important for our entire aviation
sector. Not only will this advance Air Canada's modernization
program, but it will also contribute to making the sector greener
while creating good jobs for Quebecers and all Canadians.
Investments like these are helping our aerospace industry grow,
innovate and prosper for Canadians," said the Honourable Omar
Alghabra, Minister of Transport.
"This is great news for our economy and for Canada's aerospace industry. As we cement
Canada's position as the green
supplier of choice for the sector, Air Canada has chosen to advance
the modernization of their program for more fuel-efficient fleet
using Canadian businesses and workers. This means thousands of
well-paying jobs in Mirabel,
Quebec and throughout the entire Canadian aerospace supply
chain," said François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Air Canada placed its initial
order for the A220, then known as the Bombardier C Series, in 2016,
with a firm order for 45 aircraft and 30 options. The first A220
entered service for Air Canada in January
2020 and the airline currently operates a fleet of 31 A220s,
with two more deliveries expected in 2022. Six more will be
delivered in each of 2024 and 2025, with the 15 additional aircraft
scheduled for delivery in 2026. All of Air Canada's A220s are built
in Mirabel.
The modern and fuel-efficient A220 is playing an important role
in Air Canada meeting its commitment to reach a goal of net zero
emissions from all global operations by 2050. It yields a 25 per
cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat, as well as a 25 per
cent reduction in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions compared to
previous generation of aircraft and NOx (nitrogen oxides)
emissions that are 50 per cent below CAEP/6 standards. The A220
also delivers a 50% reduction in noise footprint than previous
generation aircraft.
The development and manufacturing activities of the Airbus A220
Family are located in Mirabel, Quebec. Airbus currently provides work to more
than 2,500 people at its A220 headquarters and manufacturing
facilities and is expected to grow to over 3,000 people in the near
future.
There are currently 6 A220s produced each month and 14 A220s are
expected to be produced monthly as the programme is currently
ramping up to reach its maximum production capacity in the middle
of the decade.
The A220-300, which seats 137 passengers in a Business and
Economy configuration, has accumulated nearly 120,000 flying hours
for Air Canada since entering service. For additional facts on the
A220 for Air Canada, please go here.
Photos of the Airbus A220 are available at:
https://media.aircanada.com/Airbus-A220
About Air Canada
Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag
carrier and a founding member of Star
Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation
network. Air Canada provides
scheduled passenger service directly to 50 airports in Canada, 47 in the
United States and 69 internationally. It holds a Four-Star
ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's
Aeroplan program is Canada's
premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem
points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45
airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and
car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo,
provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of
destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger
flights and cargo-only flights with its fleet of Boeing 767-300
freighters. Air Canada has
committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations
by 2050.
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