Air Canada will welcome eight brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft after completing an agreement with lessor, BOC Aviation.
The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets are scheduled to reach Air Canada in 2024, where the aircraft will undergo necessary modifications before entering service in 2025.
The Canadian flag carrier said on July 2, 2024, that initially the new aircraft will fly with a single economy class configuration before being fitted with the airline’s two-cabin standard for narrowbody jets.
“We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications. These eight, brand-new, fuel- and cost-efficient 737-8s will provide more fleet flexibility and additional capacity while supporting one of our sustainability goals of mitigating emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.
According to ch-avaition.com, Air Canada is still waiting delivery of 82 aircraft, including 27 A220-300s, 30 Airbus A321XLR and 18 of the yet-to-be certified Boeing 737 MAX 10.
“We are pleased that Canada’s flag carrier, Air Canada, is working with us once again as it strengthens its network,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. “Continued growth in passenger travel is stimulating demand for aircraft, which we have been able to address for Air Canada in this transaction with eight aircraft delivering from our 100 per cent latest technology orderbook.”
Singapore-based BOC Aviation operates a fleet of nearly 700 aircraft, with lease arrangements in place with 90 airlines in 45 countries.
In April 2024, Air Canada announced that up to 76 A320 family aircraft operated by the airline will undergo a “significant” flight deck upgrade following an agreement signed with Airbus.
In the new deal announced on April 10, 2024, Airbus revealed that Air Canada’s A320 family aircraft will go through a “major cockpit and avionics system upgrade package” to aid fleet modernization.