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.聽聽聽

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精东影业 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 , 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.聽聽

“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 鈥渟ignificant鈥� flight deck upgrade following an agreement signed with Airbus.聽聽聽聽

In the new deal announced on April 10, 2024, Airbus revealed that Air Canada精东影业 A320 family aircraft will go through a 鈥渕ajor cockpit and avionics system upgrade package鈥� to aid fleet modernization.聽聽聽聽

Cebu Pacific to buy up to 152 Airbus planes, largest order in Philippine aviation

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-02

The man, identified as Guru Sewak Singh, was detained by India精东影业 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on June 18, 2024, after his odd appearance caught the attention of officials. 

On trying to board an Air Canada flight, Singh presented a passport under the name and identity of Rashvindar Singh Sahota, aged 67.

Despite being in possession of the passport, with his hair dyed white and wearing glasses, officials noticed that Singh精东影业 skin texture and voice did not match that of a senior citizen.

A CISF statement seen by media outlet India Today read: “The man’s appearance, voice and skin texture seemed significantly younger than the details provided in the passport. Closer observation revealed that he had dyed his hair and beard white and was wearing glasses to appear older.” 

Upon interrogation by CISF officials, Singh eventually disclosed his real identity, and officials found his actual documents, revealing his true age.

Singh was then handed over to Delhi Police for legal action.

Air Canada plans large expansion to India for winter 2024/25聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-06-04

The incident occurred on June 4, 2024, as flight AC 43 was preparing for takeoff. Local Indian media outlets reported that, at around 22:50 local time, the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) office at IGI Airport received an email warning of a bomb inside the Air Canada flight. 

The B777-200 aircraft was then sent to an isolation bay for a screening process. 

鈥淔ollowing standard security protocols, a thorough inspection was conducted, and nothing suspicious was found,鈥� a police officer told Indian media outlets.

Despite the threat being debunked, it is believed that the flight was ultimately canceled. 精东影业 has reached out to Air Canada for a statement and confirmation. 

The Canadian flag carrier recently announced that it plans to expand its program of flights between Canada and India for the upcoming northern winter season of 2024-2025.  

This is the latest flight to have received a bomb threat, following a string of similar security incidents across major Indian airports.

On June 2, 2024, a handwritten note on an airsickness bag was discovered on a Vistara flight operating from Charles de Gaulle (CDG in Paris to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, declaring that there was a bomb onboard. The incident prompted an emergency landing in Mumbai. 

On May 28, 2024, an IndiGo flight from Delhi Airport to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) in Varanasi was subject to a similar situation, prompting a full evacuation of passengers onboard using the A320 aircraft精东影业 emergency slides.

Air Canada plans large expansion to India for winter 2024/25聽聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-06-04

The carrier will be operating 25 weekly flights and offering 40% additional capacity between the two countries from late October 2024 (7,400 seats in each direction) while services on several existing routes will benefit from an increase in frequencies. 

Highlights of the carrier’s new services include the only non-stop flights from鈥疌anada鈥痶o鈥疘ndia’s鈥痜inancial capital,鈥疢umbai. This new service commences on October 27, 2024, and will operate four times weekly.  

Another is the better connectivity between Western Canada and India with a new daily Calgary to Delhi flight which will operate via London-Heathrow Airport, also starting on the same date.  

Meanwhile, the carrier精东影业 Vancouver to London flights will also offer onward connections to Delhi, while Montreal to Delhi increases to a daily service, representing an increase of 44% capacity over the same period last year.聽

“India鈥痠s an important market for Air Canada, reflecting longstanding and growing family and trade ties between our two countries,鈥� said鈥疢ark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada. 鈥淲e are thrilled to expand our network to鈥疢umbai鈥痑nd鈥疍elhi鈥痓y building additional scale at our hubs in time for Diwali festivities this fall.鈥澛犅�

鈥淲ith new non-stop flights from鈥疶oronto鈥痶o鈥疢umbai, the addition of new flights to鈥疍elhi鈥痜rom鈥疻estern Canada鈥痸ia London Heathrow, together with the unparalleled connectivity from our robust North American network, we are solidifying Air Canada as the leading airline offering the most travel options between鈥疌anada鈥痑nd鈥疘ndia. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard” he added.鈥�

The new headline flights from Toronto to Delhi depart the Canadian city on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 20:00 arriving in Mumbai at 21:45 the following day. The return flights depart Mumbai on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 23:45 arriving back in Toronto at 06:45 the following day.  

Flights will be operated with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft featuring a choice of business class, premium economy, and economy class service. Additionally, according to the carrier, the schedules of the new service have been aligned to allow for simplified onward connections from across鈥疦orth America鈥痮n Air Canada services.聽聽

flydubai marks 15 years of operations, unveils special anniversary livery

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-06-04

To mark the celebration, the Canadian flag carrier unveiled a Boeing 777 with a special livery to transport Team Canada Olympians and Paralympians, coaches and support staff to and from the Games.

“We’re honored to extend our partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees as Team Canada’s Official Airline through 2030, including for Paris 2024,” Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to proudly sharing the very best of Canada with the world as we cheer the nation’s top athletes on to Olympic and Paralympic success.鈥�

“We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Air Canada,” said David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “For more than 30 years, Air Canada’s passion for Team Canada has been remarkable. We’re grateful for the exceptional travel experience they consistently offer our athletes, helping them compete at their best on the world’s biggest stage.鈥�

Under the contract, the airline will provide special service and transport for all Team Canada athletes traveling to the Games, as well as: 

• Extending complimentary 35K Aeroplan Elite status through its Podium Program;
• Providing individual Care & Share packages to athletes for added comfort in-flight, including Amenity Kit items and memorabilia to share at the Games;
• Celebrating with significant on the ground presence at both Canada Olympic House and Canada Paralympic House in Paris, showcasing the best of Canada and aviation hospitality and cheering on Team Canada with attendees;
• Holding airport celebrations as athletes depart and return from the Games.

Air Canada has been the official airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007. It also recently concluded agreements to become the Official Airline of Swimming Canada and Athletics Canada ahead of Paris 2024.

Air Canada A320 family fleet to undergo significant Airbus flight deck upgrade聽聽

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-04-11

While airlines continue to wrestle with ways to create happy customers, the latest North America Airline Satisfaction Study suggests that it may be easier to achieve than they think.聽聽

According to the latest annual survey, released on May 8, 2024, airlines that performed best were those with friendly staff who are simply nice to their passengers.  

Against the backdrop of crowded airports, expensive fares and annoying fellow travelers the study found that carriers making big investments in staff training and trying to improve the overall flight experience were the ones with the happiest flyers.  

鈥淭here are many aspects to the overall air travel experience that airlines cannot control, but one area in which they can profoundly influence is the positive effect that airline staff has on passengers The big takeaway from this year精东影业 study is the power of people to positively influence the overall flight experience,鈥� Michael Taylor, Senior Managing Director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service, said. 

Taylor added: 鈥淎irlines that are investing in staff training and recruitment are finding ways to overcome the negative effects of crowded gates and planes simply by being nice to their customers.鈥� 

The study also discovered that the two biggest factors driving overall airline customer satisfaction are ease of travel and trust and while the cost of a ticket was important a seamless journey was more of a priority.  

The top performing airlines were also those that made substantial investments in the people side of their business and the level of trust passengers have in their carrier is correlated to media coverage about that airline.聽

Study results

The two big winners for customer satisfaction in this year精东影业 JD Power study were Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines with Air Canada and Frontier Airlines performing worst.  

For customer satisfaction in the first and business segment, Delta received a score of 743 out of 1,000 and JetBlue Airways (736) ranked second. 

Delta was top for a second year running in the premium economy segment with a score of 716. Alaska Airlines (687) ranked second and American Airlines (684) in third place. 

In the economy segment Southwest claimed first place with a score of 716, while Delta (651) came second and Allegiant Air (633) third. 

The study, fielded from March 2023 through March 2024, was based on 9,582 passengers that had flown on a major North America airline within the preceding month. 

Passengers were asked to use a poor-to-perfect six-point rating scale and rate the carriers on airline staff, digital tools, ease of travel, level of trust, on-board experience, pre/post-flight experience and value for price paid.聽 聽

Full results聽of study

First and business segment:聽聽

• Delta: 743
• JetBlue: 736
• United: 698
• Alaska: 695
• American: 676
• Air Canada: 629

Premium economy segment:聽

• Delta: 716聽聽
• Alaska: 687聽聽
• American: 684聽聽
• JetBlue: 667聽聽
• WestJet: 664聽
• United: 641聽
• Air Canada: 628聽

Economy segment:聽聽

• Southwest: 685聽
• Delta: 651聽
• Allegiant Air: 633聽
• Alaska: 630聽
• JetBlue: 630聽
• American: 611聽
• WestJet: 591聽
• United: 585聽
• Air Canada: 542聽
• Spirit Airlines: 507聽
• Frontier: 472聽

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

In the new deal announced on April 10, 2024, Airbus revealed that Air Canada精东影业 A320 family aircraft will go through a 鈥渕ajor cockpit and avionics system upgrade package鈥� to aid fleet modernization.聽聽

The multi-year upgrade program includes Enhanced Electronic Instrument System or EEIS2, Head Up Display (HUD) and many other avionics functions.聽

鈥淭hese key enhancements to the avionics on our Airbus A320 family will result in a modernized flight deck environment consistent with our other fleets, as well as additional capabilities comparable to the latest generation of aircraft, such as the A321XLR that Air Canada will be introducing to its fleet,鈥� Murray Strom, Senior Vice President, Flight Operations and Maintenance at Air Canada, said.  

HUD will improve situational awareness and bring better airport accessibility in bad weather conditions. 

Airbus said that EEIS2 displays offer 鈥渕uch higher reliability鈥� and enable the latest functions, while also improving pilot comfort with a high-resolution LCD screen that provides better information and offers new system capabilities and features.   

鈥淗UDs on the A320 family will further increase fleet harmonization across all our aircraft types, and the EEIS2 displays presenting enhanced data will bring additional operational efficiencies and reliability,鈥� Strom added. 

SBAS Landing System, FMS Landing System and GBAS Landing System will also contribute to faster and greater airport accessibility.聽聽聽

鈥樷�橶ith this combination of improvements, Air Canada is getting ahead of the requirements and latest standards available on the market,鈥� Cristina Aguilar, SVP Customer Services at Airbus, said. 鈥樷�橶e are thankful to Air Canada for their trust in Airbus with this significant A320 fleet upgrades agreement.鈥澛�

Nolinor Aviation counters industry pilot shortages with pay rises for captains

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-04-10

The inaugural flight, lasting almost 17 hours, departed YVR Airport at 23:58 local time and arrived at SIN Airport two days later at 07:45 local time.

The route spans 12,818 kilometers (7,965 miles), making it Air Canada精东影业 longest flight as measured by distance.

The Vancouver-Singapore route is to be operated with the airline精东影业 fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with three cabin classes: Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy.

The four-times-a-week flights will operate on the following schedule:

Outbound:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

AC 19 Depart Vancouver 00:05 local time Arrive Singapore 07:10 local time the following day

Inbound:

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays

AC 20 Depart Singapore 09:10 local time Arrive Vancouver 08:55 local time the same day

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada said in a statement: “Air Canada is thrilled to welcome customers onboard our newest route linking Canada and Singapore from our Pacific hub in Vancouver. These new Singapore flights are part of our strategic expansion at YVR, which together with an efficient and seamless in-transit connection process, further position the airport as the preferred North American gateway to Asia.”

“Singapore is also an important gateway to beyond destinations. Customers have a multitude of connection options traveling to Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia with our longstanding codeshare and Star Alliance partner, Singapore Airlines,” Galardo added.

Meanwhile, YVR Airport精东影业 President and CEO Tamara Vrooman has claimed that the new route will generate $18 million in economic output and support jobs across the sector.

鈥淲e welcome this new service which will grow tourism, support increased trade, and importantly, connect families and friends across the Pacific region. The launch of service to Singapore speaks to the continued investment Air Canada is making in Vancouver, which in turn benefits our community and the regional economy,” Vrooman said.

Air Canada last flew the YVR-SIN direct route back in 1991.

Turkish Airlines launches flights between Istanbul and Denver聽

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2024-04-05

Among its key accomplishments for 2023, Air Canada carried 46 million passengers and earned a full-year operating income of鈥�$2.3 billion鈥痮n record operating revenues of鈥�$21.8 billion.  

Adjusted EBITDA (a standard accounting measure of earnings less certain allowable expenses) more than doubled in the year, reaching almost $4 billion. The airline generated cash from operating activities of approximately鈥�$4.3 billion鈥痺hich equates to cash flows of nearly鈥�$2.8 billion. The carrier ended the year with a total liquidity of鈥�$10.3 billion. 

In addition to achieving a strong set of financial results, in 2023, Air Canada launched 14 new routes and by the end of 2023 served 188 direct destinations worldwide. In support of its ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion, the company ordered 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and five Boeing 737 MAX 8 single-aisle short-haul aircraft for future fleet growth.聽聽

The carrier employed an additional 8,000 people in 2023, bringing its total employee count to approximately 39,000. Additionally, Air Canada invested $1.6 billion鈥痠n 2023 in new aircraft, technology and customer service improvements.聽

Elsewhere in the Air Canada group of operating companies, the organization further expanded its business diversification program, with its Aeroplan loyalty scheme reaching eight million members, Air Canada Cargo deploying its seven cargo freighters to more than 12 destinations, and Air Canada Vacations significantly increasing its revenues. 

The carrier also forged ahead with key sustainability initiatives in 2023. These included the addition of modern and efficient aircraft and ground support equipment (e-GSE vehicles) to its fleet, sourcing additional sustainable aviation fuel suppliers SAF, and continued engaging its corporate customers through the airline精东影业 鈥淟eave Less鈥� travel program. 

鈥淰ery strong results鈥� 

“Air鈥疌anada鈥痙elivered very strong results in 2023,鈥� said鈥疢ichael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. 鈥淲e met key financial objectives and advanced or exceeded most of our strategic and operational goals for the year, demonstrating our ability to perform consistently.”  

“We continued to renew our fleet with more fuel-efficient and comfortable aircraft, and we expanded our network and products to offer more choice and convenience to our customers. We also advanced our Environmental, Social, and Governance programs through our sustainability, equity, and accessibility activities and supported the communities we serve, including by providing thousands of employment opportunities,鈥� he added.聽

“Air鈥疌anada鈥痟as a solid foundation to build upon and a clear vision for the future as a leader in the global aviation industry, connecting鈥疌anada鈥痶o the world, and as a trusted partner for all our stakeholders. I thank our customers for their loyalty, our 39,000 employees for their hard work and dedication to safe operations, and our investors for their support throughout the year,” Rousseau concluded. 

According to ch-aviation, Air Canada currently flies on 374 routes serving 192 destinations across 59 countries. The carrier operates a fleet of 250 aircraft comprising 40 737 MAX 8s, 33 A220s, 25 A319s, 25 A320s, and 33 A321s. The widebody fleet is made up of 13 A330s, three 767-300ERs, six 777-200ERs, 19 777-300ERs, eight 787-8s and 31 787-9s. The carrier also operates seven 767-300 dedicated freighters for cargo operations.聽聽聽聽聽聽聽

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The flight involved was Air Canada AC860 operated by one of the carrier精东影业 19-strong fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs registered C-FIVQ. The flight took off from runway 08R at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) at 19:24 local time for the flight to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Flight AC860 is Air Canada精东影业 single daily flight between the two cities.聽聽

A video posted on social media shows the aircraft climbing out after takeoff, with just its lights visible through the low cloud, mist, and rain that surrounded the airport at the time of departure. As the video continues, a huge flash of lightning suddenly strikes the aircraft as it climbs, causing a large flash.  

The aircraft remains steady despite the strike and continues on its course across northern Canada, Greenland, and the Atlantic Ocean to land at London-Heathrow eight hours and 53 minutes later at 12:17 on March 4, 2024.聽聽

According to a statement issued by Air Canada following the event, the aircraft was fully inspected for damage upon arrival at Heathrow. However, with no visible damage found, the aircraft was turned around at Heathrow and soon headed back to Canada, operating flight AC859 to Toronto and departing London at 18:30 that same day.

The aircraft has since been back to London, as well as visiting Tokyo (HND) and Munich (MUC), in the days since the incident.聽

According to data from ch-aviation, the aircraft involved is 15.3 years old, having first been delivered to Air Canada directly from Boeing in December 2008. The aircraft is powered by a pair of General Electric GE90 turbofans and has a capacity for 400 passengers in a three-class configuration (40 business class, 24 premium economy, and 336 in economy).       

More about lightning strikes  

Lightning strikes on aircraft are not uncommon and numerous airliners sustain lightning strikes each year. What is uncommon about this incident is that it was captured on video – not an accomplishment easily achieved!    

Modern airliners are designed and built to withstand lightning strikes, although some can sustain some damage as a result. Boeing 787s with their largely composite fuselage structures have seen at least two incidents in the past two years where they have been damaged by lightning strikes. 

In December 2023, an American Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered some damage around a passenger window when it was struck by lightning en route from Tokyo (HND) to Dallas (DFW). The aircraft sustained burn damage to the top of its fuselage which has since been repaired.聽聽

Meanwhile further back in Australia in May 2022, a Jetstar Boeing 787-8 had to be withdrawn from service for two months after a lightning strike inflicted significant damage to the aircraft during a flight from Melbourne (MEL) to the Gold Coast Airport (OOL).聽

When lightning strikes an aircraft, typically the bolt will enter at the nose or wing tip before it travels through the fuselage of the aircraft and exits at an extremity of the airframe such as the tail or the opposing wing tip. Equally, aircraft fuselages form a continuous conductive path that largely prevents the electric current from entering the passenger cabin. This ensures complete protection for both the passengers and the aircraft精东影业 electrical systems, and often those onboard will not realize that their plane has even been struck.  

According to the Flight Safety Foundation精东影业 global database, there has not been a major commercial airliner crash attributed to a lightning strike anywhere in the world since 1988.聽

Boeing lands first ever African Boeing 777X order from Ethiopian Airlines

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-03-06