The initial eight A350-1000s delivered will make up the first in Air Canada’s fleet, with the deal leaving the door open for a further eight purchases. These are scheduled to be handed over from Airbus to Air Canada from 2030, marking a huge leap in its fleet modernization plans.

Air Canada’s Fleet Modernization

Details of how Air Canada will put its A350-1000s to use are, naturally, few and far between. However, a look at the airline’s current fleet blatantly shows that replacements will be needed in the near future for several of the aging models it still operates.

For instance, Air Canada boasts 20 Airbus A330s within its long-haul fleet. These average 19.3 years of age, but are far from the oldest within their ranks. Last year, the airline brought two passenger 767-300s back into service on the back of aircraft delivery delays. In total, it still has six such jets, averaging 32.3 years of age.

Perhaps most importantly, though, is the 25 Boeing 777 variants in Air Canada’s fleet. Besides the 787 Dreamliner, these are the backbone of its long-haul operation. However, at an average age of 16.3 years, the airline no doubt has to search for a successor to the 25 777s it still flies, given the usual two-decade lifespan of aircraft.

Replacing The 777

Air Canada’s A350-1000 order, which was disclosed on February 12, appears to have emerged just in time, therefore. Indeed, by the time the first A350-1000s begin to arrive, the average age of Air Canada’s 777s will have edged past the 20-year mark.

Realistically, the A350-1000 makes for a natural successor to the 777-200s and 777-300ERs in Air Canada’s fleet. Similar in both size and capacity, the A350-1000 offers slightly better range but falls short on maximum takeoff weight. Below is a comparison of the 777-300ER, A350-1000 and 787-9. Of the 777s and 787s in its fleet, the 777-300ER and 787-9 make up the majority, accounting for 17 and 30 of the variants respectively.

777-300ER, A350-1000 and 787-9 specifications:

Whilst similar across the board, where the A350-1000 really trumps the 777-300ER is in efficiency. Over 50 percent of the A350-1000 is built using carbon composites, making it around 30 to 40 tonnes lighter than the aluminum 777-300ER. Coupled with improved aerodynamics and engine technology, this translates to as much as a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn, making the A350-1000 a far more economically viable option.

Credits: New Air Canada

The post The New Air Canada Long-Haul Aircraft Coming In The Next Decade first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

WestJet recently unveiled its major “cabin refresh”, which adds three distinct seat classes on its Boeing aircraft.

“The modern cabin experience will offer a bright, airy atmosphere with an upgraded design that features new seats, adjustable headrests and enhanced cushion and back support with a fixed recline design in Economy that helps preserve personal space,” it said.

Its new seat classes are premium, extended comfort and economy. Those who want seats that recline will have to book – and pay for – premium. And there’s only 12 on each plane.

WestJet executive vice-president and chief experience officer Samantha Taylor said the new cabins had been designed to offer “welcoming service at every budget”.

“It reflects our commitment to elevating every aspect of the travel experience and meeting guest demand for a broader range of product offerings” she said.

The 12 premium seats will also have ergonomically contoured seat cushions and a large, adjustable headrest.

Step down into “extended comfort” (36 seats on every plane) and there is extra leg room and a divider separating the section from economy.

In that section, seats range from less space at the back of the plane to more near the front of the cabin. WestJet said its upgraded and ergonomically designed seats had “seat-back contouring to maximise legroom”, as well as contoured bottom and back cushions. Just don’t try to recline.

“WestJet has always been a pioneer in making air travel available to Canadians, largely through keeping costs low to offer affordable airfare,” Taylor said.

“The layout for our refreshed cabin caters to our guests’ diverse preferences. Whether they opt for premium seating with extra amenities and legroom or for more affordable ticket prices with less space, we’re excited to introduce this range of products for our guests to enjoy.”

The first of the reconfigured planes will likely be in service within weeks, while 42 more “refreshed” Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 will be up and flying by early 2026.

The response online has been mixed, starting with those who object to economy passengers who want to recline their seats.

“Folks who recline a seat while flying economy seriously impact the space of the person behind them. No one is truly comfortable in economy and having someone recline makes it so much worse,” wrote one X user.

Responded another: “Especially for tall people. The seat goes right into their kneecaps.”

But there was also some criticism for the budget airline.

“Put the blame where the blame belongs,” an X user wrote. “The ability to recline is part of what you pay for when you buy your ticket. If there is not enough room in the seat behind you, that is the fault of the airline, not the passenger.”

Another voiced similar sentiments.

“Instead of targeting the airline for squeezing us like sardines to fit more seats, we fight among each other over reclining seats, which has been a feature in economy for decades,” they wrote.

And still another: “Then I won’t be flying WestJet ! Next thing they will have us all standing up holding onto a strap from the ceiling!”

Which shouldn’t even be joked about really, given the king of budget airlines, Ryanair, reportedly had an application to sell standing-only tickets knocked back about a decade ago.

It wanted to fit out a Boeing 737-800 with 15 rows of seats and 10 rows of standing berths, but an unnamed British regulator said no.

“We have asked the question could we run some trials on this and the immediate response is somewhat negative,” airline boss Michael O’Leary said in 2012.

He said the refitted plane would have resembled a classic Tube train, saying: “Same as on the London Underground, handrails and straps.”

Credits: WestJet

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