ffsim

OP is specifically talking about safety. There is absolutely no question in my mind that I'm boarding a safe aircraft when I step onto an AC plane; to suggest otherwise -- even on the basis of the airframe's age -- is nonsense.

So, their fleet is safe despite its age, and AC is actually in the process of upgrading the fleet with a mix of 737-Max and C-Series purchases.

Tell me again, what was your point?

YVR72

ChrisA330

The OP is referring to technology on the flight deck, not cabin technology for passengers.

LeoNYC10

I was referring to the CRT screens in the cockpit. I am not sure if Air Canada upgraded their CRT screens (and all the A320 made before 2003 had the CRT instead of LCD). Most airlines do not.

But this in itself is not relevant to safety, obviously. It just adds to the weight of the aircraft and it burns a bit more fuel, adding to the reason for AC to upgrade them soon.

I loved the on-time arrival charts and other factual data. I am a data junkie

Fot those interested, a European A320 pilot did AMA on Reddit last year: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/6chejy/i_am_an_airline_pilot_flying_the_a320_across/

A lot fascinating stuff for the airline lovers.

As far as the topic is concerned, I feel much better and safer. My question was based not on the hard logic or facts, but on illogical anxiety. And I understand that.

To add to the argument against the newer planes, Delta's spanking new a330-300 recently had a huge problem with one of its new GE engines that caught fire.

24left

Thanks for letting us know. Hopefully the "collective" here have been helpful and perhaps entertaining. Have a great flight.

Transpacificflyer

You really do not want to go there because Delta is renowned for its maintenance philosophy and is considered one of the best when it comes to preventative maintenance. Delta and Air Canada have two very different approaches to fleet maintenance and upkeep.
You may be unaware, but Delta is also an industry leader in predictive analytics. I expect that Air Canada was relying on Johnny the mechanic's bunion pain to predict a problem while Delta was one of the first to implement the maintenance and service strategy.

Delta’ still has its own dedicated inhouse aviation maintenance capabilities and can do complex overhauls. Air Canada closed its major maintenance facilities. Delta's larger fleet means that if a repair is needed, it can be done quickly, and not delayed because the removal of the plane would disrupt the airline schedule. In plain language, Delta can handle the older aircraft because it has the ability to service them with loving care.

jc94

I generally feel two things on AC planes.

Jagboi

I can think of all sorts of things I'd rather be on than AC metal. The Orient Express. The Queen Mary 2. Even Via Rail's The Canadian. Modes of transport that actually have food worth eating. Even within airlines, I can think of many that are nicer than AC.

cedric

When flying Y I much prefer one of the A320 family to any of the widebodies. I try and book away from the newer aircraft when flying, say, YYZ-YVR since the narrow bodies are way more comfortable. Last time I flew YVR-YYZ on the 787 my back was sore for a few days after due to the narrower and harder seats.

YZF_Elite

Much like you, I too prefer the A320 (or the E190 for that matter) over the 737 Max or widebody for my domestic flights for many of the same reasons. In addition, they are wifi equipped and usually working as well.

I just arrived home on time LGA-YYZ-YOW on two separate A320 birds. It will be sad to see them go when their time does come sooner than later. While I flew the DC9s and others as a kid, most of my AC flying life has been on the A319/320 and in recent years the 321. Hundreds of flights with that distinctive/annoying engine hum.