Air Canada has reached an agreement with BOC Aviation Limited for the acquisition of eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the airline announced Tuesday.
The new planes are scheduled for delivery in 2024 and will undergo required modifications before entering service in 2025. Initially, the aircraft will operate with a single economy class layout until they are reconfigured to match Air Canada’s standard narrow-body, two-cabin configuration.
Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada, said the new aircraft will provide more fleet flexibility and additional capacity while supporting the airline’s sustainability goals.
“We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications,” Rousseau said. “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.”
Steven Townend, CEO and managing director of BOC Aviation, expressed satisfaction with the deal, noting the continued growth in passenger travel is stimulating demand for aircraft.
“We are pleased that Canada’s flag carrier, Air Canada, is working with us once again as it strengthens its network,” Townend said.
The aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.
This acquisition comes as airlines worldwide seek to modernize their fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
The Boeing 737-8, part of the 737 MAX family, has faced scrutiny in recent years following two fatal crashes, but has since been recertified by aviation authorities.
Air Canada, a founding member of Star Alliance, currently serves more than 180 airports across six continents. The airline aims to achieve net zero emissions from all global operations by 2050.
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