The flag carrier has converted options into firm orders.

Air Canada will boost its contingent of Airbus A220-300s with an additional 15 aircraft. Having converted options this means its total firm order for the type has now increased from 45 to 60.

According to Air Canada, these 15 airframes are slated for handover in 2026.

Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada, said: "This expanded order for the A220, built up the road from our Montréal headquarters, is an important development in the modernisation of our fleet and a clear indication that we are emerging from the pandemic solidly positioned for the future. The A220 has become a mainstay of our narrowbody fleet, and its performance and passenger comfort are enabling us to compete effectively in the North American market."

The Canadian flag carrier placed its initial commitment for the type in 2016 – while the jet was still known as the Bombardier C Series – with a 45-strong firm order, plus 30 options. A few years later, and Air Canada's maiden A220 example, C-GROV (c/n 55067), entered service on January 16, 2020.

With 31 A220-300s in the fleet as of today (October 27) – which have accumulated almost 120,000 flying hours since entry-into-service with the airline – Air Canada anticipates a further pair to be delivered in 2022, while 12 more are poised to arrive between 2024 and 2025 (six in each).