Why Air Canada is Expanding its Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fleet with the 787-10.
Key Points
- 1Order modified to 14 firm Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, down from an initial 18 jets.
- 2Deliveries are delayed, with the first aircraft now expected to arrive in 2026, extending through 2030.
- 3The 787-10 will replace older, less fuel-efficient widebody aircraft like the Airbus A330-300.
- 4Air Canada will become one of the few carriers to operate all three Dreamliner variants (787-8, 787-9, and 787-10).
Air Canada is significantly boosting its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet expansion.
The airline confirmed a firm order for 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. This decision supports its Air Canada widebody fleet renewal program. The new jets will replace older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. The carrier already operates the 787-8 and 787-9 variants. Air Canada will soon operate all three Dreamliner models.
Fleet Renewal Strategy
The Air Canada Boeing 787-10 order was initially for 18 jets. The airline later modified the firm commitment to 14 aircraft. This move aligns with Air Canada's Air Canada long-haul fleet strategy. The 787-10 is the largest Dreamliner variant. It offers increased capacity for high-demand routes. These jets will primarily target major European destinations. They will also serve select long-haul Asian routes.
Efficiency and Capacity
The 787-10 provides better operating economics. It delivers up to 25% lower fuel emissions per seat. This supports the airline's Air Canada sustainability goals. The new aircraft will be powered by GEnx-1B engines from GE Aerospace. Air Canada selected these engines for fleet commonality. The 787-10 is expected to replace some older Airbus A330-300s. This aircraft will also ease pressure on the existing 787-9 fleet.
Delivery Timeline and Industry Challenges
The 787-10 delivery delay is a major factor in this plan. Initial deliveries were expected in late 2025. Air Canada now expects the first two jets in 2026. The full batch of 14 aircraft will arrive through 2030. Aircraft delivery delays are a current industry challenge. This impacts the airline's planned capacity growth. Air Canada is actively working with Boeing to mitigate these effects. Managing these delays is critical for network planning. The compressed delivery schedule raises fleet integration concerns.
Future Outlook
This investment will strengthen Air Canada's global route network. It allows for upgauging existing successful routes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet expansion is a long-term investment. It provides great flexibility across the carrier's network. Air Canada currently operates 40 Dreamliners. The new 787-10s will significantly boost this widebody fleet.
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Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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