Air Canada Launches Cabin Upgrade Program for Dash 8-400 Fleet
Air Canada has announced a major cabin redesign for 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft operated under its Air Canada Express brand by Jazz, describing the move as the beginning of a broad modernization program for its regional fleet.
The upgrades will feature next-generation ergonomic seats from French manufacturer Expliseat, designed with a new branding style and equipped with multi-use device holders for tablets and phones, alongside standard table trays.
Each aircraft will maintain its 78-seat configuration, with the new seating expected to bring a higher level of comfort without changing seat pitch. For context, regional turboprops like the Dash 8 are often compared to those highlighted in our guide to small private jets and turboprops.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada, said the upgrades are aimed at bringing the design details and comforts of the airline’s larger jets to the Canadian-made turboprop. “Even our shortest flights can feel special,” he noted, emphasizing the role of Air Canada Express in connecting families and businesses across the country.
The investment comes at a time when operators are increasingly focused on balancing passenger experience with cost efficiency, a topic we also explore in our analysis of private jet costs and strategies for affordable private flights.
The redesigned cabins will reflect Air Canada’s mainline interiors, incorporating colors and textures inspired by Canadian landscapes. In a first for any Dash 8-400 worldwide, the aircraft will also feature complimentary Wi-Fi, beginning in October 2025 on flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) before expanding fleet-wide by mid-2026.
Doug Clarke, President of Jazz, welcomed the investment, calling it a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer service. The airline has already fitted most of its mainline and Rouge aircraft with next-generation Wi-Fi systems in partnership with Bell, and this latest step ensures regional travelers can enjoy the same level of connectivity.
