Air Canada has taken delivery of their first Airbus A220, bringing them one step closer to launching flights with the Canadian designed and built aircraft.
The aircraft, registered C-GROV, is the first of 45 the airline has on order and makes them the first operator of the A220-300 in North America.
Powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW1521G Geared Turbofan engines and featuring the latest aerodynamic design features, the A220-300 provides Air Canada, and other operators, a 50 percent reduction in noise and NOx emissions, compared to previous generation aircraft. Additionally fuel burn is reduced by 20 percent, significantly benefiting the environment, the airline and the paying customer.
“This is a highly anticipated moment for Air Canada as we welcome this game-changing aircraft into our fleet, the next step in our fleet modernisation. It will not only allow us to transport our customers in comfort, but also further our environmental commitment with its improved efficiency.”
Michael Rousseau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada
Cabin
In regards to the cabin, Air Canada has opted for a two-class cabin configuration; with a total of 137 passengers, 12 in Business Class and 125 in Economy.
Business Class is presented in a 2-2 layout with each seat featuring an adjustable headrest and footrest. For entertainment, Business Class passengers each have a high-definition touchscreen display and hundreds of hours worth of content. For those interested in using their personal devices, USB and AC power outlets are also on board.
Economy Class also features adjustable headrests, however it is configured in a 2-3 layout. Despite this, Air Canada notes that the seats are the widest in their fleet; coming in at 19 inches wide. High definition entertainment displays are also mounted on the seats in Economy Class, as well as USB and AC power outlets.
Across the entire cabin high-speed satellite Wi-Fi is available; to create a comfortable mood, and to encourage relaxation and sleep, mood lighting has been installed. Larger overhead bins means passengers can fly with more on-board luggage, saving time and energy when travelling.
Routes
Air Canada will begin flying the aircraft on the 16th January 2020, between Calgary and Montreal, before adding flights between Montreal and Toronto on the 19th, with additional routes including Montreal to Seattle and Toronto to San Jose.
“The A220 will enable Air Canada to strengthen our position on transborder and transcontinental markets and will be key to our continued growth.”
Michael Rousseau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada
Air Canada will formally unveil their Airbus A220 to the public and media during a ceremony in Montreal, on the 15th of January 2020.
If you’re interested in seeing this particular aircraft being built, check out this video from Airbus:
Congratulations to @AirCanada on becoming part of the #A220 family – here’s to a greater fuel efficiency and outstanding comfort for passengers! pic.twitter.com/W4vhDCo2Mx
— Airbus (@Airbus) December 20, 2019
Airbus says that by the end of November 2019, the A220 had accumulated 530 orders. Approximately 100 of the purpose-built aircraft are currently in service, across six operators around the world.