Air Canada took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft last month, the first of 45 ordered and slated to enter service this month. Air Canada is the first airline in North America to operate the A220-300. The aircraft offers 137 seats, including 12 in business class and 125 in economy class.

“This is a highly anticipated moment for Air Canada as we welcome this game-changing aircraft into our fleet, the next step in our fleet modernization. It will not only allow us to transport our customers in comfort, but also further our environmental commitment with its improved efficiency. The A220 will enable Air Canada to strengthen our position on trans-border and transcontinental markets and will be key to our continued growth. Our customers will benefit from the A220’s innovative design features, including a choice of two spacious and comfortable cabins, larger overhead bins, bigger windows and a quieter experience in flight,” said Michael Rousseau, deputy CEO and CFO, Air Canada.

The Airbus A220-300 aircraft is the quietest, cleanest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category, according to Airbus. The aircraft features a 50 percent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

“This delivery is a historical moment and makes all of us at Airbus Canada extremely proud. In just a few weeks, Canadians will be able to fly on board this Canadian-designed and assembled aircraft for the first time in Air Canada’s distinctive and emblematic Maple Leaf livery that symbolizes Canada around the world,” said Philippe Balducchi, CEO, Airbus Canada Limited Partnership.