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Air Canada Puts First Upgraded 737 MAX 8 Into Rouge Service as Vancouver Crew Base Opens

The launch signals a broader realignment that concentrates single‑aisle flying at Rouge with a consistent MAX product.

Overview

  • Air Canada said the first refurbished 737 MAX 8 began flying for Rouge on March 5, the first of 45 aircraft moving to the leisure carrier.
  • The upgraded jets feature personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and free Wi‑Fi sponsored by Bell.
  • Rouge will transition to an all‑MAX single‑aisle fleet configured with 12 business, 18 preferred and 147 economy seats, and the A319s will be retired.
  • Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft currently at Rouge will be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest cabin standard and returned to mainline service.
  • The realignment complements incoming A321XLR and ongoing A220 deliveries, the start of 787‑10 arrivals later this year, and a recent order for eight A350‑1000s.