General Atomics

Air Canada confirms order for eight A350-1000s

Air Canada has disclosed a firm order (listed as undisclosed in November 2025) for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airline’s long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft.



Above: Air Canada A350-1000.
© Airbus SAS 2026


The A350-1000’s economics and lower operating costs will deliver a significant competitive advantage to Air Canada. With an industry-leading range of up to 9,000nm, the latest generation widebody aircraft will be central to the airline’s global expansion, enabling seamless, non-stop connectivity from Canada to high-growth markets across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. 

“Air Canada’s continued global ambitions are solidified by the selection of the Airbus A350-1000, a natural next step in the evolution of our fleet. The aircraft brings state-of-the-art capabilities and improved efficiencies to Air Canada, unlocking new long-haul opportunities around the globe,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and President of Cargo at Air Canada. “With the Maple Leaf adorning the tail, the Airbus A350-1000 will play a central role in defining Air Canada’s next era, connecting our customers, our hubs and our country to the world.”

“Air Canada’s selection of the A350-1000 to lead its long-haul fleet strategy is a strong testament to the most technologically advanced widebody on the market,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This decision is not only about fleet modernisation, it is also about Air Canada’s ambition to set new standards in range, performance and customer satisfaction which we are proud to support.”

The A350 includes advanced technologies and aerodynamics plus the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, giving it a reduced fuel burn and emissions advantage (compared to previous generation competitor aircraft).

Designed for ultra-long-haul comfort, travelers will benefit from the lowest altitude and noise levels of any aircraft cabin to support passenger wellbeing on the longest flights.

At the end of January 2026, the A350 Family had won over 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide. All Airbus aircraft, including the A350, are already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Airbus aims to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Related

CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation
UK airspace modernisation NATS
CAA cuts red tape to accelerate airspace modernisation and support drone innovation
The UK CAA is streamlining its CAP1616 airspace change process, cutting regulatory burdens for modernisation, drones and new aviation technologies.
Aerospace

15 Sep 2026

Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
GTR Composites Group assembly
Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
The company has rebranded to reflect its development as a composite engineering specialist, delivering solutions for sectors including aerospace and defence.
Digital Catapult launches Industry Challenge Led Accelerator
UK Digital Twin Centre
Digital Catapult launches Industry Challenge Led Accelerator
The new Digital Catapult programme enables UK SMEs to connect with industry leaders to accelerate digital twin adoption and explore the application of deep tech innovations in the aerospace and defence sectors.
DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future
Image: DVD
DVD2026: Five key defence trends shaping the British Army’s future
From vehicle modernisation and autonomous warfare to digital integration and a new approach to SME access, DVD2026 is set to offer some important clues about where the UK Armed Forces’ land capability and procurement projects are heading.
Defence Events

15 Sep 2026

British Army riflemen test new anti-drone tactics
Riflemen shooting down drones
British Army riflemen test new anti-drone tactics
Soldiers from the British Army have trialled a new approach to countering drone threats, combining acoustic and radio frequency sensors, section weapons and the Mossberg 590M shotgun, to detect, track and neutralise attack drones.
Defence

15 Sep 2026

Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
GTR Composites Group assembly
Global Technologies Racing becomes GTR Composites Group
The company has rebranded to reflect its development as a composite engineering specialist, delivering solutions for sectors including aerospace and defence.
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
5G NTN
AccelerComm awarded ESA regenerative 5G satellite network contract
The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected AccelerComm to help build one of Europe's first regenerative 5G base stations that directly run onboard satellites, shifting away from today's 'bent-pipe' satellites that simply relay signals back to the ground.
Member News Space

15 Sep 2026

The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
ADS Advance magazine - the drone age- is out today
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora engine test
Skyrora completes hot-fire testing of advanced LEO engine
Skyrora has conducted hot fire testing of its LEO engine at its Midlothian facility in Loanhead, demonstrating the potential of stronger, lightweight parts for future propulsion systems.
Member News Space

11 Sep 2026

UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts
British Army
UK defence tech firms struggle to turn successful trials into contracts
A Barclays report finds strong confidence among UK defence tech firms but warns procurement and finance barriers are making it harder for companies to scale.
Defence Security

15 Sep 2026

The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
ADS Advance magazine - the drone age- is out today
The Drone Age: What does the UK need to get right?
Leading experts examine where UK drone capability is advancing, where gaps remain and what industry and government need to fix next.
Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII
Isembard's global HQ and factory in Southwark
Isembard opens London’s largest factory since WWII
By opening the capital's largest factory since the Second World War in Southwark, Isembard is establishing a global head office that will also serve as a working precision factory that will enhance sovereign capability and deliver solutions for aerospace, defence and robotics customers, worldwide.
Aerospace Defence Security

14 Sep 2026