Home grown: Welcoming Air Canada’s new Canadian made Airbus A220

Summary: Air Canada’s Airbus A220-300 starts its first commercial flight in Canada from Montreal to Calgary on Jan. 16.

Fifty per cent less noise (in its category), 20 per cent lower fuel consumption (per seat), 100 per cent awesome. From gentle pushbacks to quieter, more comfy cabins, the Airbus A220 is now in commercial service making its maiden flight to YYC. It’s a special moment in history as we celebrate with Air Canada on the first revenue A220 passenger flight in Canada with direct service from Montreal.

 “We’re proud to be a partner in today’s historic flight, and excited to see the A220 at YYC. Having flown on the inaugural flight, I can tell you how comfortable it is as a passenger. The A220 has the lowest noise levels and the cabin has significantly more room than comparable jets. Its range and fuel efficiency will open new routes that weren’t possible before. We’re excited to see the future of this aircraft. Congratulations to Air Canada,” says Chris Miles, VP of Operations.

Built and designed in Canada, the A220 can seat up to 137 guests with 12 in business class and 125 in economy class on the widest economy seats in the fleet. According to Airbus, it produces 50 per cent less noise than comparable previous generation aircraft and 20 per cent lower fuel consumption per seat than industry standard.

Local news media outlets were on onsite and at the gate to congratulate and interview YYC and Air Canada spokespeople on the upgraded route, while capturing footage of the new aircraft.

For more information, read Air Canada’s media release here.

Pictured above are Air Canada crew and customer services representatives joined by Chris Miles, Vice President Operations (third from left), Captain Patrick Tompkins, Chief A220 pilot, Air Canada (centre), and Robert Trudeau, Senior Director, Corporate and Business Development Sales, Air Canada (third from right).