Quote:
Originally Posted by SFUVancouver
Echoing Connect2Source, I expect that Air Canada's first order of CSeries will be primarily used by Rouge, in lieu of their 20 A319s, along with some mainline service as a replacement for the remaining A319s. Should Air Canada convert its remaining 30 options to firm orders, I expect that those would be used to phase out the Embraer E-Jets. Air Canada operates 25 of the 97-passenger E-190 (not including feeder Air Canada Express E-175 fleets) so an order of 30 CSeries would let them do a one-for-one replacement with room to grow. However, it would be quite a jump from the ~100-seat E-190 to the 135-seat CS300, so I could see Air Canada opting to convert its remaining 30 CSeries options into the 110-seat CS100. Then again, if the price is right, and the operating economics are what has been advertised, having the extra capacity at modest additional cost might still pencil for Air Canada and make up-gauging formerly E-190 routes to the CS300 capacity a strong commercial prospect. For example, the E-190 puts in regular multiple-daily YVR-LAX service and the times that I have been on that plane it's always been full. Anecdotal evidence, I know, but I bet that there's a case to be made. Plus a standardized Air Canada CSeries fleet of CS300 aircraft maximizes their interchangeability and scheduling flexibility.
Air Canada's large order of 33 737Max-8 and 28 737Max-9s will let them replace their aging mainline A320 and A321 fleets, respectively, and expand domestic/transborder narrowbody service. Rouge's A321s are brand new, so I expect that those will be in service for years to come and more than a few of the younger A320s and A321s from mainline service will migrate through Rouge before being sold off for good.
Anyway, good to see Air Canada finalize the purchase of their first 45 CSeries. I'm looking forward to flying them in the years to come.
|
The first 737max aircraft will be used to replace the mainline 321s. The mainline 321s will be used to replace rouge 319s on a 1:1 basis.
The 737max aircraft replace the 321 and 320 fleet with the 320s being broken up or returned to lessor to then be broken up. The first 10-15 320s require some serious computer upgrades to remain viable beyond 2020.
The CS300/100 order replaces the E90 and mainline 319 fleets with 2 aircraft for growth.
The CS300 would not be a good fit for rouge. Actually the 319s are not a good fit at present, AC only needs about 1/2 the rouge 319 fleet and could use a larger narrowbody aircraft for another 10 aircraft. This is why AC brought in 321s to rogue and retained 5 319s at mainline. This is also why rouge 763s are occaisionally used on the transborder to LAS/SFO/LAX (when SFO/LAX Western Canada was rouge flying).
You will see the CS300 on short haul routes where the E90 is currently flying. Once the 25 E90s are replaced, AC will have enough market data to determine where to place the remaining 20 aircraft.
The CS100/300 is a fantastic aircraft from an economy seat perspective, but its horrible from a business seat perspective. Consequently it is not expected to drive front cabin revenue. The unknown factor is whether the CS100/300 will drive traffic in the opposite direction (that is take business class flyers into the economy cabin).
Prev
Linear Mode
