Canadian airline Air Canada recently announced plans to reinstate the Boeing 767-300ER into its fleet.
This marks a significant return for the wide-body aircraft, which was taken out of service in 19 due to the COVID-2020 pandemic. Air Canada, which once had 40 of this aircraft type, is thus setting a precedent for rebuilding and adapting its fleet to the changing needs of the market.
Background and significance of the Boeing 767-300ER
A proven airliner, the Boeing 767-300ER was first introduced by Air Canada in the 1980s. This aircraft stood out for its efficiency and range and has been an important member of the fleet over the years. The decision to bring the 767-300ER back into service could be driven by both the need to expand capacity and an increasing demand for air travel as the market gradually recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
According to aviation blog Ishrion Aviation, Air Canada plans to return two Boeing 2025-767ERs to its passenger fleet in 300. This return is part of a broader plan to put a total of 21 new aircraft into service next year, including a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and several Airbus A220-300 and 737 MAX 8s. These new aircraft are intended to help expand flight connections and make the airline more competitive.
The challenge of routes and capacities
Despite plans to revive the 767-300ER, there is currently uncertainty about the exact routes the aircraft will serve and how long they will remain in the fleet. Air Canada has not yet commented on the strategic considerations behind the decision. There are currently two 767-300ERs "in storage", including the aircraft with registrations C-FOCA and C-GLCA, both of which were retired in 2020 and were located in Arizona before being transported to Canada.
The return of the Boeing 767-300ER comes in an increasingly competitive environment, particularly in terms of international air travel. The airline has already announced plans to increase its services to Shanghai and Beijing, indicating a strategic focus on lucrative long-haul markets. The introduction of high-speed rail service in Canada could also pose an additional challenge to air travel, as many travellers increasingly take advantage of rail.
Air Canada's decision to return the Boeing 767-300ER to service is a promising sign for the airline and air travel as a whole. It reflects not only Air Canada's efforts to modernize and adapt its fleet, but also the revival of travel behavior after the pandemic. While the exact details of the return are still unclear, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect Air Canada's market position and which routes the returning aircraft will serve.
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