Originally Posted by
Leyland1989
The similar reason why AC had just 8 A321 in their fleet?
The cost to operate an extra variant is minimal, same pilot pools, same parts inventory (I hope).
Their A320 is leaving by 2030, there's a gap in capacity to fill. Some will go to excess lifts from their huge XLR fleet, but what about the routes I listed above?
Surely they can order more A220-300 but if Airbus is going to launch -500, I can see -500 being a better fit.
A220 has a much lighter frame with half a century of material science and technology advancement built in. I don't think its advantage over the MAX is trivial on shorter hops when the range is not needed.
Their current A320 seats C14Y132, A220-500 can be C16Y134 if they want to avoid paying for the 4th FA.
+4C and + 9Y may give them a better CASM number than -300 if they could sell those seats.
I surely hope they are done with the 737 by now, we don't need a 737 MAX +
If me memory is correct, the A321 had the same range as the A320. Thus adding a few fins with higher capacity that could operate the same routes makes sense.
If what we are hearing about the CS500 is correct that would not be the same comparison.