Air Canada has started flying a brand new aircraft type this week. Flight AC137 from Toronto to Calgary was the first to be operated earlier this week using their new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.  It’s a 169-seat, fuel-efficient plane, featuring a next generation inflight entertainment system, spacious overhead storage bins and Boeing’s ‘Sky Interior’. The aircraft is planned to become the mainstay of Air Canada’s North American, narrow-body fleet.

This plane is more fuel efficient and quieter than the older, narrow-body aircraft it will replace, which will benefit the environment of course. This increased efficiency should also enable Air Canada to be price competitive and gives the aircraft extended range, so they can launch new city pairings within North America, and routes to select international destinations, such as Iceland and Ireland, which will start next summer. Features of the new aircraft include:

• Improved seats and LED mood lighting
• Upgraded in-flight entertainment system which will enable passengers to stream video and audio to their own devices
• Faster Wi-Fi with the highest bandwidth available inflight, available in early 2018
• Improved overhead storage compartments offering greater space
• The latest quiet engine technology for up to 40% less noise
• And 20% less fuel per seat usage than previous aircraft types on similar routes

Air Canada has ordered 61 of the new 737 MAX to be delivered by 2021, with 18 due to enter the fleet by the end of 2018.