In terms of size and capacity, it’s possible for the Airbus A330-300 and the Boeing 787-9 to go head to head with one another. It really depends on the route and its distance. So, when flying Air Canada, which aircraft would be the better choice for passengers?
Where do these aircraft fly?
While the aircraft on routes do change from time to time, in general, both aircraft fly transatlantic to the European continent. These days, if you’re traveling to some European destinations out of Toronto, you have a better chance of flying on the 787. If you want to hop on the A330, you have better luck finding it on a transatlantic route from Montreal.
Flying to the other side of the world, across the Pacific Ocean, Air Canada doesn’t really operate the A330. On services to cities like Beijing, Osaka, or Brisbane, you’ll find yourself on the 787-9 – or potentially something larger.
Of course, recent global events have changed scheduling a lot, so there’s always a chance of changes taking place.
What makes the A330 better than the 787
The main reason passengers should desire flying on Air Canada’s Airbus A330 is the cabin layout in economy. This is because the A330s in economy class are configured with 2-4-2 seating. On the sides, you’ll always have either the window or aisle. This configuration would be ideal for couples traveling as they would get their own ‘section’ of sorts.
This also means a much lower probability of being stuck in a ‘middle’ seat. In contrast, the 787’s economy layout is a squished 3-3-3 layout.
Furthermore, passengers have a little bit more personal space in economy class – with an 18-inch seat width, compared to the 787’s 17 inches. The seat pitch is identical at 31 inches.
If you’re flying premium economy on ‘Layout 2’ of the A330 to Europe, you’ll be getting much, much more space compared to premium economy on the other two layouts. That’s because this configuration lacks a true lie-flat business class.
What makes the 787 better than the A330
We’ve established that the A330 may be better in terms of economy class seat configuration and seat width. So, let’s look at why the 787 might be a better choice.
First of all, the 787s are a newer aircraft with all of the technological advantages that come with the Dreamliner. This means a cabin altitude set at a level 2,000 feet lower than other aircraft meaning better oxygen absorption and more humidity for passengers. The 787 also has larger windows that are dimmable – not found on the A330.
Flying on the 787 also means that passengers are guaranteed a newer inflight entertainment system rather than possibly being stuck with the old A330’s ‘legacy system’ (in layout 1). For business class passengers, it is also guaranteed that you’ll experience the airline’s Signature Class cabin rather than the possibility of being stuck with the old ‘classic pods’ of the older A330s.
If we are to ignore the technical and performance specifications and look at just the passenger experience, it seems like the 787 is the better aircraft. It’s possible that the A330 can offer something comparable. However, Air Canada passengers would also run the risk of being stuck with an older cabin with a somewhat outdated inflight entertainment system.
Have you flown on these aircraft? Do you think this is an accurate assessment of the two types flying with Air Canada? Let us know your own opinions by leaving a comment.
