Air Canada‘s Preference for the Boeing 787
At the start of President Trump’s second term, potential tariffs were a major concern for Air Canada. The airline considered altering its Boeing 787-10 orders to favor Airbus A350s as a strategic response to avoid these tariffs, since Airbus is a European manufacturer unaffected by US-Canada trade tensions. This analysis delves into the reasons and feasibility of Air Canada switching its fleet focus from Boeing to Airbus.
Concerns Over Tariffs
In February, Air Canada raised a query about switching from Boeing 787s to Airbus A350s to possibly avoid the tariffs announced in April, imposing a baseline 10% rate on imports from all countries, with Canada in line for harsher measures. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced measures to mitigate the effects by reducing some retaliation tariffs.
- Tariffs could raise the cost of Boeing aircraft, but Air Canada’s reliance on Boeing and its strategy are deeply integrated, making a switch difficult.
- The firm orders for Boeing 787s were placed long before tariffs were announced, aligning with a significant increase in aviation demand.
The Challenge of Switching to A350s
The likelihood of Air Canada moving to A350s is minimal due to logistical complications. With a firm order history dating back to 2023 for 18 Boeing 787-10s, plus 12 options, Air Canada would face hefty penalties for canceling. Moreover, Airbus has an extensive backlog of 761 A350s, so transitioning could delay fleet updates significantly.
| Type | Orders | Deliveries | Backlog |
|---|---|---|---|
| A350-900 | 1,009 | 573 | 436 |
| A350-1000 | 361 | 101 | 260 |
| A350F | 65 | – | 65 |
| A350 family | 1,435 | 674 | 761 |
Possible Tariff Exemptions
With potential exemptions for crucial economic deals, Air Canada might circumvent anticipated costs related to Boeing’s 787-10 order. Aircraft parts are generally tariff-exempt, reducing the need for Air Canada to alter its strategic fleet renewal plans, which include the approaching delivery of the 787-10s.
The Strategic Importance of Maintaining Boeing 787s
Air Canada’s 787-10 orders complement its broader fleet renewal aim to phase out older widebody models. The aircraft is fuel-efficient, suitable for high-density and long-haul routes like those to Europe, securing the airline’s sustainability goals while enhancing passenger experience. The 787’s technological efficiency makes it foundational to Air Canada’s future fleet.
Diverse Fleet Strategy
Air Canada’s extensive fleet includes a range of aircraft operated by numerous subsidiaries, serving urban, rural, and remote needs throughout Canada.
| Manufacturer | Model | Operator | Number Owned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | 777-300ER | Air Canada | 19 |
| Boeing | 777-200ER | Air Canada | 6 |
| Airbus | A330-300 | Air Canada | 20 |
| Boeing | 787-9 | Air Canada | 32 |
| Boeing | 787-8 | Air Canada | 8 |
| Airbus | A321-200 | Air Canada | 20 |
| Boeing | 737 MAX 8 | Air Canada | 47 |
| Airbus | A220-300 | Air Canada | 37 |
| Airbus | A320-200 | Air Canada | 21 |
| Airbus | A319-100 | Air Canada | 2 |
| Mitsubishi | CRJ900 | Jazz | 35 |
| Embraer | E175 | Jazz | 25 |
| De Havilland | Dash 8-400 | Jazz, PAL AIRLINES | 46 |
| Airbus | A321-200 | Air Canada Rouge | 14 |
| Airbus | A320-200 | Air Canada Rouge | 5 |
| Airbus | A319-100 | Air Canada Rouge | 18 |
Prospects of A350 Orders
While the A350 is highly regarded, it’s unlikely Air Canada will place orders due to overlapping capabilities with existing 787 models. The airline is committed to expanding its fleet in alignment with fuel efficiency and lower operational costs, favoring continuity in the 787 family.
