Air Canada unveils new aircraft livery

Air Canada has revealed its new aircraft livery, kicking off a major project that will see 300 of its aircraft repainted.

Unveiled at three simultaneous events held across Canada this week, the new livery features a black and white design and an encircled red maple leaf, or “rondelle”, which returns to the tail of the flag carrier’s fleet after an absence of 24 years.

Alongside the new livery, Air Canada has created a new grey and black uniform for its employees, which reflects the interior cabin design of Air Canada’s international fleet. The uniforms, which have a red trim, will be worn by the airline’s pilots, flight attendants and airport staff.

The rebranding forms part of a major fleet expansion and renewal strategy for the airline, which has outstanding orders for more than 100 new aircraft.

“Air Canada’s new livery signals a pivotal inflection point in our 80-year history,” said Benjamin Smith, president of passenger airlines, said at the event in Toronto.

“On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary year, with our new livery, new uniforms for our employees, the award-winning international cabin standard introduced with the launch of our Boeing 787 aircraft, and enhanced onboard offerings, the future Air Canada represents the strength of our nation and the future-looking spirit of our airline.”

The first three aircraft sporting the new livery will enter service immediately. In 2017, Air Canada will continue to add more Boeing 787 Dreamliners its fleet, and its first 737 MAX aircraft is due to arrive before the end of 2017. Then in 2019, Air Canada will start welcoming its new fleet of 45 Canadian-made Bombardier CSeries aircraft.