The first of Air Canada’s upgraded Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets have entered service with its low-cost subsidiary, Rouge.
Air Canada is in the process of moving all of its MAX 8s to Rouge as it prepares to take delivery of new aircraft, specifically the 787-10, Airbus A321XLR, and A350-1000. The carrier is also still taking deliveries of the A220.
As part of the transfer, Air Canada is retrofitting the interiors of the MAX 8s bound for Rouge. Upgrades include personal seatback entertainment systems, reclining seats, and free wireless internet service sponsored by Bell.
Most customers flying Rouge leisure and sun routes across North America will be booked on the upgraded aircraft, officials said on Thursday.
“When customers step onto our aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride,” Air Canada Executive Vice President and COO Mark Nasr said in a news release. “Supported by award-winning service from co-workers across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight.”
Air Canada executives said last year that they aim to move all MAX 8s to Rouge by the end of 2026 while also retiring the subsidiary airline’s older aircraft. Ideally, Rouge will have an all-737 MAX fleet by the end of 2026, they said.
New Crew Base
Also on Thursday, Rouge opened a new crew base in Vancouver. The base will support the expansion of leisure travel in Western Canada, the carrier said, including recently announced winter service from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
Besides the 737 MAX 8, Rouge also operates A319s, A320s, and A321s. The A319s are set to be retired, while the A320s and A321s will be retrofitted and transferred to Air Canada’s mainline fleet.
