737 MAX 8 takes flight at Rouge, YVR base opens

Air Canada says the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service with Air Canada Rouge, kicking off a fleet transition that will see more MAX aircraft moved into the leisure carrier over the next two years.

The airline also opened a new Rouge crew base in Vancouver on the same day, a move it says will support more sun and leisure flying from Western Canada.

“When customers step onto our aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride,” said Mark Nasr, executive vice president and chief operations officer at Air Canada. 

“Supported by award-winning service from co-workers across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight. Every update is designed with our customers in mind, as we introduce an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, Fast, Free Wi-Fi, and seats that recline for all customers.”

What’s changing on Rouge

The updated Rouge MAX aircraft feature personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary “Fast, Free Wi-Fi” sponsored by Bell.

The refreshed cabins are designed for shorter leisure trips, and will be configured with 12 business class seats, 18 preferred seats (extra space) and 147 standard economy seats.

Onboard food and drink will include complimentary wine and beer (including non-alcoholic beer) plus Canadian-made snacks on all North American and Caribbean flights, with items such as MadeGood Morning Bars (on flights before 10 a.m.), TWIGZ pretzels and Leclerc Célébration cookies.

Air Canada expects 45 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to transition to Rouge by the end of 2026. 

The company says that shift will also support cabin upgrades across its North American network.

Vancouver crew base now open

Air Canada says the new Rouge crew base in Vancouver is intended to grow leisure travel options from Western Canada. 

It pointed to the recently announced return of winter service from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta as an example of the kind of flying the base will support.

Network-wide fleet refresh

Beyond Rouge, Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft currently operated by Rouge will be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest design standard as the airline prepares to introduce the longer-range Airbus A321XLR.

The carrier also says regional aircraft in the Air Canada Express network operated by Jazz will receive new cabins and next-generation “Fast, Free Wi-Fi.”

Air Canada is also continuing a broader fleet modernization program, including: 

• An order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft
• 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners expected to start entering service later this year
• The first of 30 Airbus A321XLR aircraft expected in the coming months
• Additional Airbus A220 deliveries, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65

The airline says new aircraft entering service will feature its next-generation cabin design, including updated connectivity and in-flight entertainment.

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