Air Canada Expands Fleet with Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A321XLR for South America Routes

Air Canada, the airline with the largest offering of flights between Canada and South America, is planning its future in the region with a modernized and more efficient fleet, including the addition of the Boeing 787-10 and the Airbus A321XLR within the next five years. These aircraft will enable the optimization of its route network and the exploration of potential new connections.

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The airline confirmed to our associated media outlet in Brazil, Aeroin, that it plans to deploy the Boeing 787-10 on its routes to São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) and Buenos Aires/Ezeiza (EZE), which are currently operated by smaller versions of the Dreamliner: the 787-9 and, occasionally, the 787-8.

From São Paulo, Air Canada offers daily flights to Toronto/Pearson (YYZ) and a connection to Montreal/Trudeau (YUL) every day during the southern summer season, reducing frequency to four flights per week for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, the route to Buenos Aires is an extension of flights from Guarulhos, operating four weekly flights year-round and daily flights during summer.

Before the health crisis, Air Canada utilized Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft with capacities of up to 450 passengers on its South American routes during peak season. However, delays in the delivery of new wide-body aircraft and supply chain issues have led the airline to streamline its operations, maintaining the current models until the new fleet arrives.

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Air Canada’s Boeing 787-10 and A321XLR

The shift to the Boeing 787-10 will represent an increase of 30 to 40 additional seats compared to the 787-9, as this version can accommodate between 318 and 357 passengers in a two-class configuration, compared to the 255-294 of the smaller models. Air Canada has ordered 18 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2026.

The Airbus A321XLR, known for its extended range among narrow-body aircraft, will also play a key role in the airline’s expansion, although specific routes for this model have not yet been disclosed. The company has orders for up to 36 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2025.