Air Canada and Airbus have announced a joint initiative to establish a Canadian Sustainability Co-Investment Platform, committing up to $13,700,000 Canadian Dollars ($10,000,000 US Dollar equivalent) to accelerate the production of commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel within Canada. The primary objective of the platform is to advance a selected domestic SAF project toward a Final Investment Decision. Both companies emphasize that establishing a supportive public policy framework alongside federal and provincial governments is critical to scaling local refining capacity, maintaining price competitiveness, and preserving air travel affordability.
As part of the partnership, Airbus has entered into a five-year agreement under Air Canada’s Leave Less Travel Program to address Scope 3 emissions from employee corporate travel. For its initial allocation, Airbus will purchase environmental attributes corresponding to more than 60,000 liters of SAF, which Air Canada will track and retire on the manufacturer’s behalf. This corporate demand mechanism complements Air Canada’s broader fleet renewal efforts, which include the introduction of fuel-efficient Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft.
A macroeconomic study conducted by Airbus and ICF highlights the substantial economic potential of building a domestic SAF market, projecting that replacing 40% of Canada’s aviation fuel demand with SAF by 2040 could generate $32,000,000,000 Canadian Dollars ($23,360,000,000 US Dollar equivalent) in gross domestic product and support 140,000 jobs across the agricultural, forestry, and urban sectors.
Air Canada is introducing a new collection of premium bedding and thoughtfully designed amenities to elevate rest and comfort for customers on international flights.
Launching across all cabins beginning this month, the collection includes upgraded Signature Class duvets and pillows, generously sized blankets in Premium Economy and Economy Class, and new amenity kits developed in partnership with leading Canadian brands.
The collection represents the latest investment in Air Canadaโs end-to-end Glowing Hearted experience, helping customers relax during their flight and arrive ready to make the most of their journey, whether they are travelling for business, reconnecting with family or beginning a long-awaited vacation.
โFrom the generously sized Premium Economy and Economy Class blanket that keeps you comfortable from shoulders to feet, to our new plush Signature Class duvets, every element introduced as part of this launch was thoughtfully chosen to help customers settle in, relax and rest throughout their journey,โ said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Products & Services at Air Canada. โWeโve spent meaningful time with our customers, getting their perspective on what would make a flight more relaxing and restful. Then we went to work investing in high-quality products that deliver the very best that leading Canadian partners have to offer.โ
Designed in Canada for Comfort Beyond the Flight
Air Canada partnered with leading Canadian hospitality partner Hunter Amenities to develop, manufacture and source the new amenity kits, combining comfort and functionality with thoughtful, reusable design.
โWorking closely with Air Canada, we designed every component โ from the drawstring bag to the eye mask and socks โ to be used well beyond the flight, bringing added purpose to high-quality travel essentials for customers,โ said John Hunter, Founder at Hunter Amenities.
Furthering its commitment to championing Canadian brands, Air Canada also partnered with Sahajan, an award-winning, female-founded skincare company.
New Signature Class amenity kits will feature Sahajanโs โLip Karma,โ a nourishing lip balm with castor and argan oils for lasting moisture, and โThe Hand Remedy,โ a rich, fast-absorbing cream that provides immediate relief and a non-greasy barrier for dry hands.
Both products are manufactured by Hunter Amenities at its facility in Burlington, Ontario.
โWith cabin humidity often 10 to 20 per cent, air travel can quickly dehydrate the skin, especially the delicate skin on our hands and lips,โ said Lisa Mattam, Founder and CEO of Sahajan. โWeโre proud to partner with Air Canada to bring Sahajanโs blend of clinical science and time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom to their amenities program, sharing our natural wellness products with Air Canadaโs customers on international routesโ
New In-flight Comfort Essentials
Beginning in July, customers travelling on international flights can expect the following:
Economy and Premium Economy Bedding:
A new cozy blanket made from high-quality polar fleece.
Measuring six feet, the new generously sized blanket is designed to provide comfortable, full-body coverage for customers of all heights.
Premium Economy Amenity Kit:
A soft neoprene eye mask with a contoured nose bridge to improve comfort and block light.
High-quality 3M earplugs made from soft, hypoallergenic polyurethane foam with a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels.
Knitted cabin socks.
An antimicrobial bamboo toothbrush with Colgate toothpaste.
Air Canada Signature Class Bedding and Amenity Kit:
An upgraded, 145 gsm duvet designed to offering increased softness, warmth, and superior comfort.
A new pillow featuring a 16.5 oz AirFlow fill for optimized breathability and support.
Air Canada Signature Class Amenity Kit:
A best-in-class eye mask that is soft, weightless and adjustable, precision-shaped to completely block out light and maximize comfort.
Sahajanโs science-backed Lip Karma balm and The Hand Remedy cream for in-flight hydration.
High-quality 3M earplugs made from soft, hypoallergenic polyurethane foam with a noise reduction rating 32 decibels.
Quintessentially Canadian striped knitted cabin socks, made with 70 per cent cotton for warmth and comfort at high altitudes.
An antimicrobial bamboo toothbrush with Colgate toothpaste and dental floss.
The amenity kit is made in Canada and presented in a recycled cotton drawstring bag designed to be reused on future journeys.
Developed in close collaboration with Canadian partners, the bedding and amenity kit collection brings greater comfort, thoughtful functionality, and a distinctly Canadian touch to the international travel experience. For more information on Air Canada’s new in-flight amenities and details by cabin, visit aircanada.com/ArriveRefreshed.
Air Canada on July 13, 2026 announced the launch of the Air Canada City Shuttle, an expansion of its multi-modal partnership with The Landline Company. Beginning today, this new service will provide a fast, frequent and direct motorcoach connection for Air Canada customers between the Palais des congrรจs de Montrรฉal and Montrรฉal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for $9 one way, plus applicable taxes.
The Air Canada City Shuttle is designed to provide more predictable travel times between downtown Montrรฉal and YUL. Using the highway’s dedicated high-occupancy vehicle lane and a private airport entrance helps ensure a faster ride, which could save customers up to 25 minutes at peak times compared to airport access roads.
Air Canada announced on July 8, 2026 that Anko Van der Werff will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board, by the end of January 2027. Mr. Van der Werff, currently President and Chief Executive Officer at Scandinavian Airlines, succeeds Michael Rousseau, who previously announced his retirement after 19 years with Air Canada.
โOur Board of Directors was impressed by the quality of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the role,โ said Vagn Sรธrensen, Chair of the Board. โWe are delighted to have attracted and recruited an executive of Mr. Van der Werffโs stature to lead Air Canada. He has an exceptional breadth of international aviation experience and a proven 25-year track record, including his most recent forward-looking executive leadership at Scandinavian Airlines, Avianca Group, and Aeromรฉxico and earlier at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (now Air France-KLM) and Qatar Airways. We are confident he will drive further value-creating growth and transformation while maintaining our commitment to disciplined capital allocation.โ
โAir Canada is a globally recognized airline leader. It is an honour to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it advances its ambitions and strategy, builds on its award-winning employee culture and customer value proposition, and prepares for an even brighter future,โ said Anko Van der Werff. โI look forward to working closely with Air Canadaโs talented executive team and with all employees to fulfil our commitments to shareholders and customers. I am excited about relocating to Montrรฉal and eager to get started.โ
Mr. Sรธrensen concluded: โThe Board is grateful to Michael Rousseau for his outstanding leadership and extraordinary contributions, which are in large part responsible for the enviable position Air Canada enjoys among global carriers. We thank him for that legacy and for his support with the transition.โ
The selection of Mr. Van der Werff follows a comprehensive global search for the best person to lead Air Canada into the future. The search considered a number of performance criteria, including the ability to communicate in French.
Mr. Rousseauโs retirement is effective August 31, 2026. He will continue to be available as needed throughout the transition. Following his departure and for the duration of the transition period, the Executive Committee will report to the Board of Directors.
Biographical notes
Anko Van der Werff will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada by the end of January 2027. A global aviation executive with more than 25 years of international airline leadership experience, he has held senior roles across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Prior to joining Air Canada, he served as President and CEO of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, leading the carrier through a significant period of transformation and strategic renewal.
Before joining SAS in 2021, Mr. Van der Werff was Chief Executive Officer of Avianca, one of Latin America’s leading airlines. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Aeromexico, held senior commercial leadership positions at Qatar Airways, and occupied a number of management roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Mr. Van der Werff served on the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) until June 2026 and has also served on the boards of several international organizations in the aviation, technology and business sectors.
He holds a master’s degree in law from Leiden University and completed executive studies at Harvard Business School.
A native of the Netherlands, Mr. Van der Werff speaks Dutch. He is able to communicate in French. Aside from those two languages and English, he also learned Spanish, Italian and Swedish at different levels over the course of his international career.
Air Canada has opened its newest Air Canada Cafรฉ at Quรฉbec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), introducing the first dedicated premium lounge experience to the airportโs terminal. The new 97-seat Air Canada Cafรฉ, operated in partnership with Plaza Premium, offers eligible customers a modern, locally inspired space to relax, work or recharge before their flight, featuring menus that celebrate Quรฉbec Cityโs heritage, culture, and renowned art de vivre.
The YQB location marks the seventh Air Canada Cafรฉ, deepening the airlineโs investment in the premium customer experience in Quรฉbec, and expanding the successful cafรฉ concept as part of its multi-year global lounge modernization program.
Reflecting Air Canadaโs Glowing Hearted design philosophy, the new Air Canada Cafรฉ blends inspiration from Quรฉbecโs natural landscape and the charm and character of the Quรฉbec City region to create an atmosphere of calm and comfort. The space is anchored by two significant works from celebrated Quรฉbecois and Canadian artists. These include Flow, a vibrant abstraction in acrylic, oil and ink on canvas by the award-winning abstract artist Antonietta Grassi, and 1982, a colourful, geometric acrylic on linen by visual artist and novelist Douglas Coupland.
Local Food and Beverage Offerings
The Air Canada Cafรฉโs menu proudly features locally sourced products and items developed with Quรฉbec-based and Indigenous partners, celebrating the city and regionโs rich character. Designed as a place to relax before a flight, the Air Canada Cafรฉ features a full self-service station with hot and cold menu items to be enjoyed on site. The menu also caters to a range of dietary preferences and is supported by comprehensive allergen labelling.
Here are some of the menu highlights featured:
Signatureย breakfastย pancakes with maple butter, fleur deย sel, and Sigewigus pumpkin seed spreadย sourced from the Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg Indigenous communityย
Fresh, locally sourced ingredientsย atย build-your-own power bowl bar
Curated selection of local cheeses and artisanal jams
Menu items designed for dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Full-service barย offeringย premiumย specialty coffee from Lavazza, handcrafted cocktails, featuring la distilleries du Fjord, and beers from local breweryย Laย Souche
Productivity-style seating for working and taking callsย
Power at every seat, including USB-C ports with wattage to charge a laptop
Glowing Hearted Design
Inspired by the vast range of Canadaโs landscapes and regions, this new Cafรฉ reflects Air Canadaโ new design standard for creating warm, distinctly Canadian spaces that authentically reflect the local culture, character and sense of place. This is the latest expression of our โGlowing Heartedโ end-to-end customer experience. At the new Air Canada Cafรฉ at YQB this includes:
Design inspired byย Quรฉbecย Cityโsย art de vivre,ย the regionโsย natural beauty,ย and uniqueย Frenchย characterย ย
Works from celebrated Quรฉbec and Canadian artists, including Antonietta Grassi and Douglas Couplandย
A design approach that reflects a deliberate investment in timeless quality, balancing refined aesthetics with premium, durable materials that will stand up to daily use
Eligibility for Air Canada Cafรฉ Access
Access to the Air Canada Cafรฉ at YQB is available to eligible domestic customers, including Aeroplan Elite members (50K and above), Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and Business Class customers departing on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights from YQB.
Elevating the Airport Experience
The new Air Canada Cafรฉ at YQB is the airlineโs latest investment in premium airport experiences that are tailored to the communities and markets it serves. Air Canada continues to modernize and expand its lounge network, focusing on customer care, convenience, and comfort. Last year, the airline added over 500 lounge seats worldwide, delivering more space and amenities for its customers. This latest expansion builds on a series of recent lounge upgrades, including a new Air Canada Cafรฉ and refreshed domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Montrรฉal-Trudeau, introducing elevated design, modern seating, and improved power access to select airport locations across the airlineโs global network.
Air Canada on June 9, 2026 marked the entry into scheduled service of its first Airbus A321XLR.
The 182 passengers onboard AC413 from Montrรฉal to Toronto experienced the start of a whole new chapter in how – and where – Air Canada customers can fly.
Air Canadaโsย new Glowing Hearted cabin standardย is making its debut on the A321XLR, offering calm, comfort and connectivity to customers. It features personal device power at every seat, fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members sponsored by Bell, next-generation in-flight entertainment screens that are larger and offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thoughtfully curated cabin finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape and aligned to the airlineโs brand and commitment to enduring quality.
To the 14 lie-flat seats in Air Canada Signature Class, the A321XLR has 168 Economy class seats, with every seat featuring seatback in-flight entertainment with 4K OLED IFE screens (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch in Signature Class) with Bluetooth audio.
The aircraft will operate several domestic flights prior to its first trans-Atlantic flight between Montrรฉal and Toulouse on June 15.
Air Canada plans to integrate the A321XLR into its schedule progressively to support growth across its network. The aircraftโs performance and range characteristics are well suited to adjust for seasonal demand patterns and evolving market opportunities.
The arrival of the A321XLR is an important milestone and the latest step in Air Canadaโs multi-year fleet modernization program, which is focused on customer experience, operational resilience and fuel efficiency improvements versus older-generation aircraft. It reflects the airlineโs commitment to prudent growth, continuous product investment, and disciplined execution of Air Canadaโs business plan. In addition to 30 A321XLRs (15 will be leased, 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S) that are expected to enter the fleet over the coming years, Air Canada has announced orders for 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners as well as eight A350-1000s. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 21 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have already been delivered in 2026.
Air Canada on April 24, 2026 took delivery in Hamburg of its first Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort. The arrival of this aircraft, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, marks an important milestone in Air Canadaโs fleet renewal and growth strategy, with a total of 30 A321XLR aircraft (15 will be leased, 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S.) expected to enter the fleet over the coming years.
The A321XLR furthers Air Canadaโs ability to serve new transcontinental and transatlantic city pairs.
Theย new Glowing Hearted cabin standardย makes its debut on the A321XLR, offering calm, comfort and connectivity to customers. It features personal device power at every seat, fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members, next-generation in-flight entertainment screens that are larger and offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thoughtfully curated cabin finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape and aligned to the airlineโs brand and commitment to enduring quality. In a first for Air Canada, the A321XLR also offers Air Canada Signature Class on a single-aisle aircraft, with 14 lie-flat seats.
Following Transport Canada certification and entry into service, Air Canada plans to integrate the A321XLR into its schedule progressively to support growth across its network. The aircraftโs performance and range characteristics are well suited to adjust for seasonal demand patterns and evolving market opportunities.
This delivery is the latest step in Air Canadaโs multi-year fleet modernization program, which is focused on customer experience, operational resilience and fuel efficiency improvements versus older-generation aircraft. It reflects the airlineโs commitment to prudent growth, continuous product investment, and disciplined execution.
In addition to the A321XLR, Air Canada has announced orders for eight A350-1000s for delivery starting in 2030 and 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on lease, have also been delivered in 2026.
Air Canada today detailed its most significant cabin investment, unveiling new long-haul cabin designs at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. The first major expression of its new Glowing Hearted standard, the design delivers a distinctly Canadian experience, emphasizing comfort, care, and connection for all customers on every flight, while signalling the airlineโs bold growth ambitions.
The completely reimagined cabins will appear first this summer on the A321XLR, which offers a true lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class experience for the first time on a single-aisle aircraft. The introduction of the new Airbus A321XLR will be a game changer, unlocking new trans-Atlantic routes and allowing Air Canada to offer an upgraded, premium journey across more of its North America transcontinental network. The new cabin design featuring the exclusive Air Canada Signature Plus Suite will launch when the Boeing 787-10 enters service.
Upgrades to the Experience Across All Cabins
Air Canadaโs new Glowing Hearted design standard will deliver a range of thoughtful upgrades for every customer, including:
All-new ergonomic seats designed to maximize personal space with built-in tablet holders, and larger overhead bins.
Significantly larger 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio available for all customers.
Access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, ensuring laptops and all personal devices stay fully charged.
Air Canada Premium Economy cabins will also feature new extended privacy wings for added comfort.
Upgrades to the Premium Experience
The cabin updates are headlined by distinct premium products that will be available on the airlineโs newest aircraft.
On the Airbus A321XLR:
For the first time on a single-aisle aircraft, Air Canada will introduceย 14 lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class seats, setting a new standard for single-aisle comfort on longer journeys.
4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch Premium Cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
On the Boeing 787-10:
Air Canadaย Signature Plus, a new and exclusive suite at the front of the aircraft, designed for customers seeking an elevated experience with extra space. The suites in the centre of the aircraft also offer companion seats for use while in cruise. ย
All four suites include a larger (2-metre/6โ5โ) bed, quartzite-topped table and a dedicated guest seat, with more space for personal items and a higher wall for additional privacy.
The two centre suites feature a fully retractable sliding privacy panel, maximizing sociability for up to four customers travelling together.
4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 16-inch in Premium Economy, and up to 27-inch in premium cabins) with Bluetooth audio.
Distinctly Canadian Design and Commitment to Quality
The new cabin design is inspired by Canada, creating a thoroughly modern space that evokes a sense of calm.
Key design features across both aircraft:
Air Canada Signature red stitchingย and bespoke fabrics provide a subtle Canadian touch paired with a palette of greys and stone.ย
Naturalย wood grain detailsย are complemented by bronze metal accents.ย
Leather-grain surfaces and metal finishes reflect deliberate investment in enduring quality, balancing refined aesthetics and durability.ย
A refined and Glowing Hearted experience:
On the Airbus A321XLR, a backlit canopy of maple leaves for an unmistakably Canadian welcome for every customer as they board.ย
On the Boeing 787-10, premium customers are greeted by aย wave-like entrance monument, inspired by Canadaโs waterways and anchored by the Air Canada rondelle cast in bronze.ย
To be unveiled later this year, the end-to-end hospitality experience will be distinctly Canadian and include upgraded service, food and beverage elements and elevated amenities.ย
North American Fleet Upgrade Program Underway
In addition to the Glowing Hearted cabins on the A321XLR and 787-10 Dreamliner, Air Canada is also upgrading the interiors on other fleets.
Air Canadaโs Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will move to the mainline fleet and be retrofitted to Air Canadaโs latest design standard, while the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will transition to Air Canada Rouge in 2026. This will allow customers flying Rouge leisure and Sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.
Upgrades to the customer experience also extend to the Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation LP, which will be fitted with new cabins, and are now flying with next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi.
Air Canada has disclosed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airlineโs long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft. The order was listed as undisclosed in November 2025.
The A350-1000โs economics and lower operating costs will deliver a significant competitive advantage to Air Canada. With an industry-leading range of up to 9,000nm, the latest generation widebody aircraft will be central to the airlineโs global expansion, enabling seamless, non-stop connectivity from Canada to high-growth markets across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Designed for ultra-long-haul comfort, the aircraft features the Airspace cabin, representing the next evolution of Air Canadaโs award-winning passenger experience. Travelers will benefit from the lowest altitude and noise levels of any aircraft cabin to support passenger wellbeing on the longest flights.
The A350 includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent reduced fuel burn and emissions advantage, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. At the end of January 2026, the A350 Family had won over 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide.
