The Canadian company updated its schedule for the northern hemisphere winter season, where effective October 2021 the Airbus A220-300 will be present in Mexico, the first time the model will operate commercially in that country.
Canada eased restrictions at the end of July, and since then, Canadians can leave the country for tourism, something that had been discouraged since February 2021 in face of the third wave of COVID-19.
With exceptional highs for the winter season, when the flow of Canadian tourists flying to beach and sun destinations is at its highest, companies scheduled an increase in their operations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
For Air Canada, flights to Cancun (CUN) also reflect the increased supply of premium seats with the addition of Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A330-300s on its route to Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL).
But its A220s also join the company’s push into international holiday destinations, moving away from its usual domestic and regional operations. Air Canada thus becomes the first carrier to schedule the former Bombardier CS300 in Mexico.
Airbus A220-300 routes in Mexico
According to the Cirium platform and reconfirmed by the reservation systems, starting October 31 the airline will operate two weekly flights between Montreal (YUL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR). It will then add a weekly flight to Toronto (YYZ) on November 7.
From December 19, it will connect Halifax (YHZ) with Cancun (CUN) with two weekly flights. On the other hand, on the same date and with the same frequencies, it will also connect Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (ZIH) with Montreal (YUL).
Air Canada Airbus A220
The Canadian company ordered 45 Airbus A220-300s, but as a consequence of the airline’s financial reorganization caused by the health crisis, it had to cancel eleven aircraft in 2020. So far, it has taken delivery of 24 A220s and is awaiting nine more.
The first aircraft was received in December 2019 to replace its Embraer ERJ 190 and Airbus A319. Now the model’s capabilities make it possible to expand its regional destinations to the Caribbean and Mexico, usual destinations for the A319.
It has a 137-seat configuration in two classes: 12 in Business (2-2) and 125 in Economy (3-2). All will have in-flight entertainment screens with the Panasonic eX1 system, as well as high-speed satellite internet, USB A, USB C ports and power outlets.
