Air TransportAir Canada has placed into service the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 configured with the new cabin product for its leisure subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge.
The aircraft is the first of a group of MAX jets that the airline plans to transfer to Rouge. Air Canada expects up to 45 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to operate under the Rouge brand by the end of 2026.
The updated cabin includes seatback entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi and reclining seats throughout the aircraft. The layout provides 12 business class seats, 18 preferred economy seats with additional space and 147 standard economy seats.
The aircraft will operate on leisure routes across North America and the Caribbean, which make up most of Rouge’s network.
Air Canada also opened a new Rouge crew base in Vancouver as the aircraft entered service. The base will support leisure routes from western Canada, including seasonal services from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
The changes are part of a broader fleet program at the airline. Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft currently operated by Rouge will receive cabin upgrades aligned with Air Canada’s latest interior standard.
Air Canada is also preparing to introduce Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will expand the range of narrowbody operations.
In the widebody segment, the airline recently ordered eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and expects the first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners to enter service later this year.
The company also continues to take delivery of Airbus A220 aircraft, with 23 remaining to be delivered from an order for 65 units.
