Transborder traffic to the United States remains a vital segment for Air Canada, despite ongoing political tensions between Canada and the U.S. This month, the airline has scheduled a total of 10,356 flights on routes connecting to the U.S., offering over 1.2 million seats and generating 1,345,171,933 ASMs (available seat miles), according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. While a majority of these flights are operated by regional jets, the airline is ramping up its use of widebody aircraft for certain routes.
Widebody aircraft, particularly from the Airbus and Boeing families, are set to play a significant role in Air Canada’s transborder operations this month. Notably, the Boeing 787-8 will be utilized on the airline’s most frequent widebody transborder flight, connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 787-8 is scheduled for 50 flights on this corridor, with 25 flights in each direction, running daily until October 25, before transitioning to a winter schedule.
Key Routes for Widebody Aircraft
The 787-8, which accommodates 255 passengers across three classes, will make its only other transborder appearance this month on a route between Montréal (YUL) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), operating a single round trip on October 31. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of Air Canada’s long-haul strategy, with the airline noting, “Five years ago, we introduced our Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on two routes with a dream of flying the flag to places we’d never been before. Today, those two routes have grown to 31 across five continents.”
In addition to the 787-8, the Airbus A330-300 will operate on multiple routes, making it the most versatile widebody aircraft for Air Canada this month. This aircraft will serve three different corridors, including the aforementioned route from Montréal to Fort Lauderdale, with 11 flights scheduled between October 26 and October 31. The A330-300 will also connect Toronto Pearson to Fort Lauderdale, with 12 flights planned during this period.
Introduction of the Boeing 787-9
As Air Canada transitions to its IATA Winter Schedule, it will introduce the mid-sized Boeing 787-9 on a transborder route linking Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with Vancouver (YVR). This service will commence on October 25, operating daily with an eastbound block time of approximately five hours and eight minutes. The flight will depart at 18:25 and arrive at 21:15 local time. The 787-9 offers a larger capacity of 298 passengers with a three-class configuration, providing a blend of luxury and comfort.
In summary, Air Canada’s strategic deployment of widebody aircraft for its transborder flights reflects its commitment to maintaining a robust presence in the U.S. market. As the airline continues to adapt its offerings, the focus on widebody operations underscores its ambition to enhance passenger experience while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
