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Air Canada has announced a fleet upgrade program focused on the overall travel experience within North America. The initiative spans Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express and is focused on cabin consistency, improved technology, and complimentary onboard offerings. The airline aims to make cabin products more uniform across the network, particularly on routes where passengers have often encountered a mix of older interiors, limited Wi-Fi, and uneven access to seatback entertainment.
Fleet Upgrade – Air Canada Rouge
One of the biggest shifts involves Air Canada Rouge, which will transition to an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet. This will be a notable change for leisure routes, many of which are currently served by Rouge aircraft equipped with dated cabins lacking seatback entertainment and offering only paid or unreliable wireless connectivity. The updated 737 MAX cabins will include a three-tier seating structure with Business Class, Preferred extra-legroom Economy, and Standard Economy seating. Every seat will recline, include access to personal in-flight entertainment, and allow passengers to connect to fast, complimentary Wi-Fi available to Aeroplan members.
AC Rouge Premium – Older Cabin
New 737 MAX Cabin Design
Fleet Upgrade – A220 and A321 aircraft
The mainline fleet will also see significant upgrades, particularly Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. These planes will receive new interiors that align with Air Canada’s latest cabin design standard. Customers can expect refreshed seating, updated entertainment systems and upgraded connectivity that mirrors what Air Canada has introduced on its newer long-haul and narrow-body aircraft. That means more consistent seatback screens across the fleet and the ability to use fast, complimentary Wi-Fi without relying solely on personal devices. A number of these upgraded Airbus aircraft are already flying.
Air Canada A321 interior
Air Canada will also expand the Airbus A220 program. Known for its quieter cabin and more spacious 2-3 seating configuration, the A220 already provides one of the better short-haul flying experiences in North America. With 26 additional Airbus A220-300s still on order and deliveries beginning in March 2026, Air Canada will introduce its latest cabin design standard on future aircraft, including larger XL overhead bins. Because the A220 is manufactured in Quebec, the airline continues to position it as a flagship product for Canadian-built aviation technology.
Air Canada A220 Business Class
Fleet Upgrade – Air Canada Express
The focus on a more uniform cabin experience extends to Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz, where regional travel has traditionally meant fewer amenities. Express routes will benefit from an upgrade plan beginning in 2026, affecting the Embraer E175 and CRJ-900 fleet. These aircraft will adopt Air Canada’s refreshed cabin design and receive updated hardware to support the new generation of complimentary Wi-Fi. Over half of the fleet has already received the upgraded connectivity. The Dash 8-400 fleet will also continue to receive previously announced improvements, including new seating and interior refurbishment. Travellers flying through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will also gain access to next-generation Wi-Fi on turboprop flights serving the island airport.
Air Canada Express E175
The cabin renewal program also includes a change to onboard service, with complimentary beer, wine, and snacks will now be offered across the North American network on flights operated by Air Canada, Rouge, and Jazz. The menu will feature Canadian brands, with items varying by time of day. Morning services will include MadeGood Morning Bars, while later flights will feature TWIGZ pretzels and Leclerc Célébration cookies, paired with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This change brings a more consistent, simplified service standard, reducing the gap between regional, leisure, and mainline economy experiences.
Air Canada Fleet Upgrade – Takeaway
The airline’s current North American fleet includes a noticeable mix of older cabins, uneven access to seatback entertainment, and varying internet quality. With the introduction of standardized interiors, faster connectivity and complimentary refreshments, travellers are likely to see fewer surprises when boarding different aircraft types. While the rollout will take several years to complete, passengers flying within Canada and to the United States can expect a more predictable product, regardless of whether they are flying mainline, Rouge or Express.
Air Canada is repositioning its short- and medium-haul operations to better reflect what passengers expect from a modern full-service carrier. For Aeroplan members, the free Wi-Fi integration adds value to points travel without simply being a loyalty perk for elite members. For everyday travellers, complimentary snacks and drinks reintroduce a more traditional service element. Combined with technology improvements and refreshed cabins, these changes represent a tangible evolution in how Air Canada intends to serve the North American market over the coming years.
Image Credit: Air Canada
