Air Canada’s first of 45 updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Rouge, marking the latest step in the carrier’s comprehensive cabin renewal program across the fleet. The rest of the aircraft are expected to transition to Rouge by the end of the year.
Designed to give passengers flying leisure and sun routes across North America and the Caribbean more comfortable, connected, and consistent onboard experience, the upgrade features personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary “fast, free” wi-fi sponsored by Bell.
“When customers step onto our aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride,” said Mark Nasr, Executive VP at Air Canada. “This renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight. Every update is designed with our customers in mind, as we introduce an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product…”
To support this leisure-focused growth, Air Canada has opened a new Rouge crew base in Vancouver, coinciding with the entry into service of the first Rouge Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The investment also directly supports more sun and leisure flying from Western Canada, such as the recently announced return of winter service from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
Amenities
Improvements to the Rouge fleet focus on what matters most to customers on shorter trips: an upgraded cabin, improved technology, and small details to make the journey easier and more comfortable. The cabins are configured to give customers a choice of 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred seats offering extra space, and 147 Standard Economy seats.
Customers will be served free wine, beer – including non-alcoholic beer – and Canadian-made premium snacks on all North American and Caribbean flights. The in-flight menus showcase popular Canadian brands.
Modernizing the North American fleet
The transformation extends across the entire network. Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest design standard, as the airline also prepares for the introduction of new, longer-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
Upgrades to the customer experience also extend to regional travel, with Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz to be fitted with new cabins and next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi.
Upcoming additions
As part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, Air Canada recently announced an order for eight Airbus A350-1000s. This is in addition to the 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners expected to start entering service later this year. Air Canada is also set to welcome in the coming months the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs, while continuing to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65.
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