MONTREAL — Air Canada’s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service and is set to become the “mainstay” of its North American, narrow-body fleet, said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines.

Flight AC137 departed from Toronto to Calgary on Dec. 11 as the first to be operated using the 169-seat, fuel-efficient aircraft, which also features Air Canada’s next generation in-flight entertainment system, spacious overhead storage capacity and Boeing’s Sky Interior. Throughout the day, the aircraft will then fly passengers from Calgary to Montreal, followed by service from Montreal to Vancouver.

“With this new aircraft we are introducing the next generation of our onboard entertainment system and customers will find ample storage space for carry-on baggage in its generous overhead bins,” added Smith. “The 737 MAX is also more fuel efficient and quieter than the older, narrow-body aircraft it will replace, benefitting the environment. This increased efficiency will also enable us to compete more effectively and gives the aircraft extended range capabilities so we can launch new city pairings within North America, and routes to select international destinations.”

Air Canada has 61 firm orders for the 737 MAX, set to be delivered by 2021, with 18 due to enter the fleet by the end of 2018. Its first scheduled flights in North America include service to Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal.

The aircraft is also scheduled to operation internationally to Keflavik, Dublin and Shannon starting in summer 2018.

Onboard features include innovative LED mood lighting, an upgraded in-flight entertainment system with a new 15-language user interface, faster wi-fi (available starting in early 2018), up to 40% less noise. Passengers will also soon be able to stream video and audio to their own devices.