Air Canada Expands A220 Series with Five New Orders; Lufthansa Boosts A350 Fleet with Major Purchase!

In a groundbreaking announcement on December 20, 2024, Airbus has clinched significant follow-up aircraft orders from two major airlines: Air Canada and Lufthansa. This marks a momentous occasion for both carriers as they enhance their fleet capabilities with modern and efficient aircraft.

Air Canada Reinforces Commitment to A220 Family

Air Canada has announced its decision to order five additional A220-300 aircraft, reinforcing its dedication to the Airbus A220 program. This order comes as the airline celebrates the fifth anniversary of its inaugural A220 delivery in December 2019. With this new acquisition, Air Canada now has a total commitment of 65 A220-300s, following a strategic investment that began with an initial order of 45 aircraft in 2016 and further expanded with 15 additional orders in 2022.

John Di Bert, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, expressed enthusiasm over the expanded fleet. The carrier became the first operator of the A220-300 in North America in January 2020 and has since utilized the aircraft to service over 70 destinations, showcasing its versatility and efficiency.

The A220 Aircraft: A Marvel of Modern Engineering

The A220 family, known for its impressive performance metrics, accommodates 100 to 150 passengers and boasts a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). It features the widest cabin in its class, with fuel consumption and emissions lower than its competitors. Its advanced Pratt & Whitney GTF engines enable a remarkable 25% decrease in fuel consumption per seat, and the aircraft is capable of operating on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), furthering the industry’s environmental goals.

Air Canada's fleet currently comprises 134 Airbus aircraft, including models from the A320 and A330 families, alongside the A220. They're also anticipating the arrival of 26 A321XLRs.

Lufthansa Strengthens Long-Haul Capabilities with A350-1000 Order

In a complementary move, Lufthansa Group has ramped up its order for Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total from ten to fifteen units. With an investment estimated at around $2 billion at list prices, deliveries are anticipated between 2028 and 2030. This order positions Lufthansa Group as a leading A350 customer globally, further expanding its long-haul fleet which already includes 60 A350-900s.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, spoke on the significance of this order, highlighting the airline’s commitment to fleet modernization and sustainability. The A350-1000, with a length of 73.8 meters, offers about 15% more capacity than its predecessor, making it an invaluable asset for the airline’s long-haul operations.

Including this new order, Lufthansa Group has made a staggering total of 770 aircraft purchases from Airbus throughout its history, solidifying its status as the largest Airbus customer worldwide. With the integration of ITA Airways scheduled for January, the airline group is set to enhance its fleet even further.

Both Air Canada's and Lufthansa’s orders reflect a broader trend in the aviation industry aimed at boosting fleet efficiency and sustainability, as airlines adapt to ever-changing market demands and environmental regulations. With innovation at the forefront, the future of air travel looks promising as these major airlines continue to invest in their fleets.

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