Why Air Canada Chose 16 Airbus A350-1000s Over Boeing’s Delayed 777X To Replace Its Aging 777-300ERs

For nearly two decades, the Boeing 777-300ER has been at the very heart of Canada’s flagship carrier, dominating long-haul routes from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. When it came time to plan its flagship fleet successor for the decade ahead, Air Canada turned away from Seattle and placed its faith in the rival company Airbus. The airline confirmed a firm commitment for eight Airbus A350-1000s, with purchase rights for eight additional aircraft, bypassing Boeing’s delayed 777X program to opt for European composite-twin technology for its next era of international expansion.