If I remember correctly, AC got a significant discount on the MAX purchases as compensation for delays in delivery on the 787 program. Hence, the decision to move away from Airbus for the narrowbody fleet. I'm sure in retrospect, they would have stuck with AB, and ordered the 320/321neo as opposed to the MAX.
In some sweet irony, there is a good chance that part of the MAX compensation package will be in the form of credits for future 777/787 orders. I could see AC changing some of their MAX options to the 787, and then shift back to the 220/320/321 for future narrowbody orders.
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