Air Canada announced today that it is undergoing a massive fleet renewal program that will see changes to the Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express fleets. According to the airline, the program aims to make flying across North America more comfortable, connected, and consistent.
Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge Swap Fleets
The most significant of the fleet changes comes as Air Canada announces it will transfer its entire Boeing 737 MAX fleet from its mainline operation to Air Canada Rouge, which is the carriers low-cost, leisure subsidiary. The 737 MAX fleet will be equipped with 12 Business Class, 18 extra legroom Economy, and 147 Economy seats. These aircraft are equipped with seatback in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens and free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members.
With all 47 of Air Canada’s Boeing 737 MAX jets being transferred to Air Canada Rouge, that will leave quite the hole in the airline’s fleet. To offset this, Air Canada Rouge will transfer all of its Airbus A320 and A321 jets over to Air Canada.
As part of the transition, all Air Canada Rouge Airbus jets will receive new interiors that will include new seats, in-flight entertainment, and free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members. The retrofits for these jets are already well underway, with 15 upgraded A321s flying at the time of publication.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada, said this about the changes:
“When customers step onto an Air Canada aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride. Supported by award-winning service from co-workers across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or something in between, every update is designed with our customers in mind. Notably, this program includes an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, Fast, Free Wi-Fi, and seats that recline for all customers.”
In addition to the changes outlined above, Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation are receiving cabin upgrades as well as fast, free, Wi-Fi. These retrofits are more than halfway complete so there is a good chance passengers will experience the new product on their next Air Canada Express flight.
My Thoughts
While a swap like this may not make much sense on the surface, this change makes sense for Air Canada and will definitely be an upgrade for passengers, Since Air Canada Rouge is primarily a leisure airline that operates on lower fare routes, the Boeing 737 MAX will allow it to reduce its cost per mile based on greater fuel efficiency when compared to the A320 jets.
Air Canada Rouge jets have historically been no frills and very bare bones. The addition of the Boeing 737s will give passengers more amenities, specifically seatback IFE and fast, free, Wi-Fi. Since Air Canada is taking over the no-frills Air Canada Rouge jets, those planes will be retrofitted with the carrier’s newest amenities before entering mainline service.
Overall, this should provide a better passenger experience regardless of what aircraft you find yourself on. Air Canada Rouge will also be able to expand significantly due to the increase in planes. The airline will open a crew base in Vancouver (YVR) as part of the transition.
Summary
Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are swapping fleets. Air Canada Rouge will receive all of Air Canada’s Boeing 737s while Air Canada will absorb Air Canada Rouge’s Airbus A320 family aircraft into its fleet. These changes represent a win for the passenger experience on both carriers and the full change over is expected to occur in 2026.
(Images courtesy Air Canada)