Air Canada has placed a firm order with Boeing for 18 new 787-10 Dreamliners to replace ageing, less fuel-efficient aircraft. The airline also has options for 12 more 787-10s to support capacity growth should the need arise in the years ahead.
The first elongated 787-10 is set to join the Air Canada fleet towards the end of 2025, and deliveries will continue through to the start of 2027.
Air Canada currently operates 30 Boeing 787-9s and eight of the slightly smaller 787-8 variant. The 787-10 is the largest of the Dreamliner model, with a maximum seating capacity for 330 passengers depending on configuration.
Air Canada will likely configure its -10s with a much lower capacity, although the exact details haven’t yet been worked. What we do know, however, is that the airline intends to debut a new ‘state-of-the-art interior cabin design’ on its -10 Dreamliners.
“Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of this popular aircraft,” commented Michael Rousseau, Air Canada’s president and CEO.
“As importantly, the 787 is highly fuel efficient and will generate operational savings as well as support our sustainability goals of reducing emissions,” Rousseau continued.
Air Canada initially ordered eight 787-9s and six 787-8s in 2005 before placing a larger order for 23 Boeing 787-9s two years later. In 2020, the airline acquired an additional 787-9.
Although the 787-10 has a larger capacity than the -8 or -9, it does come at the expense of range, which makes it unsuitable for ultra-long-haul flying. Nonetheless, the aircraft is around 25% more fuel efficient than the aircraft they will be replacing, according to Boeing.
