Air Canada Growing Boeing 737 MAX Fleet

Air Canada is growing its Boeing 737 MAX fleet further with the planned acquisition of eight further 737-8s.

The Canadian flag carrier has agreed to receive eight units from leading aircraft lessor BOC Aviation Limited.

These aircraft are expected to enter service next year, allowing the airline to boost capacity across short to medium-haul routes.

Air Canada says that while the eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024, they cannot enter service this year. The revised entry into service of 2025 will enable the aircraft to undergo the necessary modifications.

These modifications will initially allow the aircraft to operate with a single economy class layout. From this point, they’ll be reconfigured to fully match the narrowbody experience featured across the Air Canada fleet.

The airline expects the 737 MAX aircraft to enable greater flexibility across its network, alleviating pressures on existing units. Furthermore, Air Canada says the arrival of these aircraft will help mitigate emissions and meet sustainability goals.

Securing additional Boeing 737 MAX jets comes after fierce competitors in WestJet’s sector have also, on numerous occasions, sought to grow their MAX fleet through leasing agreements. WestJet has already secured contracts for additional MAX jets several times in 2024, boosting its capacity and fleet.

Unlike purchasing new aircraft directly from the source, being the manufacturer and agreeing to lease deals, if possible, allows airlines to secure aircraft quicker to respond to competition or an evolving market that requires capacity.

BOC Aviation celebrates its relationship with Air Canada. Its Executive Officer and Managing Director said the aircraft will aid passenger traffic growth numbers. The leasing company believes it’s well positioned to help stimulate this demand thanks to its backlog.