Air Canada follows WestJet with extensive aircraft cabin refurbishment programme
November 24, 2025
Air Canada has announced a sweeping cabin renewal programme spanning its mainline, Rouge and Express fleets. The flag carrier is the latest major Canadian airline to commit to a broad interior refresh, following WestJet’s multi-year cabin modernisation strategy announced in September.
With its cabin retrofit, Air Canada aims to provide an upgraded passenger experience and more consistent product standards across North America.
Air Canada differentiates itself from WestJet with reclining seats
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada, said the programme includes “an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, fast, free WiFi, and seats that recline for all customers.”
This highlights a competitive differentiation with WestJet, which has selected seats without recline for its new cabins.
Nasr said the comprehensive cabin refurbishment program aims to make every flight “more comfortable, more connected, and more consistent,” adding: “When customers step onto an Air Canada aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride.”
Air Canada Rouge transitions to all-737 MAX with full IFE and free WiFi
Air Canada Rouge will shift to an all-Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet as aircraft transfer from mainline throughout 2026. Each jet will be outfitted with:
- 12 Business Class seats
- 18 Preferred (extra-legroom) Economy seats
- 147 Standard Economy seats, all reclining
- Seatback IFE screens at every seat
- Fast WiFi, free for Aeroplan Members
To support the expanded MAX operation, Rouge will open a new crew base in Vancouver, targeting increased leisure demand from Western Canada.
Air Canada Airbus A320 and A321 upgrades underway
Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 fleets will remain part of mainline and receive cabins aligned to the airline’s latest design standard. The upgrade includes:
- New seating
- Updated in-flight entertainment
- Enhanced fast WiFi, free to loyalty program members
- A refreshed cabin aesthetic described as “modern, accessible and warm”
Fifteen A321s have already been refurbished, with more entering modification lines through 2026–27.
Air Canada’s Airbus A220 fleet expansion continues
Air Canada reaffirmed its commitment to the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 26 more A220-300s on order. The airline is the launch customer for the new Airbus A220 Airspace cabin, featuring improved cabin architecture, mood lighting, and Airbus XL overhead bins that offer 15% more room for passenger luggage. Aircraft delivered from March 2026 will debut the airline’s new interior design.
Air Canada Express is also getting upgrades
Regional passengers will also see major improvements. Aircraft operated by Jazz — including the Embraer E175 and Mitsubishi CRJ-900 — will begin receiving the new cabin standard in 2026.
The airline’s new, fast WiFi is already being rolled out, with 55% of the regional fleet completed. Air Canada also reiterated the previously announced overhaul of 25 Dash 8-400s, which will get new seating, refreshed interiors and WiFi on Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport routes.
The airline has selected ergonomic seats from Expliseat for the Dash 8-400s, with new branding and design language on the seat’s dress cover. Seats will feature a multi-use device holder for tablets and phones on the seatback, along with a tray table.
Upgraded onboard service to match rising competition from Porter Airlines
Across all North American flights operated by Air Canada, Rouge and Express, passengers will receive complimentary beer, wine and premium Canadian snacks such as MadeGood Morning Bars, TWIGZ pretzels and Leclerc Célébration cookies.
This service enhancement places Air Canada in direct competition not only with WestJet’s refreshed offering but also with Porter Airlines, which reshaped expectations in the Canadian market by offering complimentary beer and wine served in glassware and a more premium-leaning onboard experience on its E195-E2 and Dash 8-400 flights.
Air Canada’s cabin renewal arrives amid heightened competition in Canada’s domestic and transborder markets, driven by WestJet’s fleet upgrades and Porter’s premium-tilted strategy. With all three carriers now investing heavily in onboard products, differentiation increasingly hinges on consistency, connectivity and service.
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Featured Image: Air Canada
