The first L-1011 was introduced into service in the summer of 1973. Slightly smaller and better suited to multi-stop operations than Air Canada's other wide-bodied jets - the 747's - they fulfilled the airline's need for a smaller medium to long range aircraft of the new and popular wide-body configuration. One of the main features of the aircraft is an under the passenger cabin galley in which meals are prepared and taken up to the passengers by means of two elevators.

In 1981 the Air Canada fleet was augmented by the introduction of a newer version of the aircraft - the L-1011-500.