Air Canada Launching Industry First on Regional Flights

Air Canada Express regional passengers will have a more comfortable flight once the airline overhauls 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. The aircraft will have redesigned interiors, upgraded ergonomic seating, and in an industry first for the Dash 8-400, some planes departing from Billy Bishop Toronto Airport  will have Wi-Fi. 

“We’re pleased to partner with Air Canada on these exciting upgrades to our Dash 8-400 fleet,” said Doug Clarke, President of Jazz – Air Canada’s largest regional partner and operator of Air Canada Express service to Toronto City (YTZ) and over 70 other destinations across Canada and the U.S. “This investment in innovative seating, refreshed cabin interiors, and industry-leading onboard Wi-Fi reflects our shared commitment to safety, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service.”

The refurbishments will occur in phases throughout 2026. In addition to the Wi-Fi capabilities, the designed cabin interiors will feature new tones and refined textures, “evocative of Canada and its diverse regions,” as well as “next generation, well-padded, ergonomic seats” from Expliseat. The installation of the new seating has an expected completion date for the program in mid-2026. Each aircraft will have 78 seats, and pitch will be unchanged.

“Air Canada Express is at the heart of how we serve Canadian communities. It brings people together, whether connecting families across the country, or linking businesses to the world through our global network. This innovative project is an industry-first, and it reflects the pride we take in serving customers with care and class. By bringing many of the design details and comforts of our largest jets to the Canadian-made Dash 8-400, even our shortest flights can feel special,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.

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