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Category: Boeing

  • WestJet secures its largest-ever aircraft order with Boeing

    Sizeable aircraft order to be delivered through 2034 as part of airline’s multi-billion-dollar investment in future growth

    CALGARY, AB, Sept. 3, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 60 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft, with options for an additional 25. The order also includes seven 787-9 Dreamliner widebody aircraft with options for four more as the company advances its growth strategy to build a stronger, resilient low-cost airline that provides Canadians with more choice, more destinations and more value.

    This order increases the airline’s current order book, to 123 aircraft and 40 options, while extending WestJet’s fleet growth plans through 2034.

    “With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada and will double our fleet of Dreamliners, underpinning our growth plans and our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians from coast to coast and exciting career paths for our people,” said WestJet Chief Executive Officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech. “These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”

    Since the airline’s inception in 1996, WestJet has been safely and reliably serving millions of Canadians onboard Boeing aircraft. This substantial commitment to WestJet’s growth will allow the airline to continue to build its network and offer affordable options for guests for years to come.

    “We are honored that WestJet has once again placed its trust in Boeing with a major investment that builds on our three decades of partnership and solidifies their fleet for the decades ahead,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to supporting WestJet’s exciting growth as they leverage the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to serve even more guests with great efficiency and comfort.”

    The deal marks future economic benefits on both sides of the border. Canada is one of Boeing’s largest international supply bases, providing aerospace parts for all Boeing commercial airplane models in production, contributing $4 billion in economic benefit to Canada each year, while securing long-term manufacturing jobs in both Canada and the United States.

    “This agreement between WestJet and Boeing reflects a pragmatic approach to doing business, creating new opportunities, economic benefits, and long-term jobs on both sides of the border, while ensuring that WestJet is well-equipped to grow, offer more options for passengers, and better connect Canadians,” said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.

    Building on WestJet’s already significant investment in its home province Alberta, the airline is continuing to invest and grow its commitment to the province.

    “I’m thrilled to see this historic purchase agreement between WestJet and Boeing. Not only does this represent WestJet’s largest-ever aircraft order, but it also reinforces Alberta’s growing reputation, both nationally and internationally, as a leading aerospace and aviation hub. Alberta remains a place where businesses can grow and thrive for the future. Alberta’s government continues to be a proud partner of WestJet, including recent support for Lufthansa’s milestone engine repair facility investment.” – Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith

    WestJet currently operates 193 passenger aircraft, inclusive of 147 Boeing 737s, seven 787s and 39 De Havilland Q400s. With an average age of approximately 10 years, WestJet’s fleet is among the youngest of established North American carriers.

    WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for additional Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to mark the airline’s largest order agreement to-date, and the largest-ever Canadian Boeing order.

    About WestJet

    WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

    As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

    Learn more about WestJet at westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are (also available in French)

  • Boeing to Invest $240 Million CAD in Québec Aerospace Innovation

    • $110 million for the Aerospace Development Centre in new Québec Espace Aéro Innovation Zone
    • $95 million dedicated to advancing the development Wisk Aero’s autonomous, passenger carrying air taxi
    • $35 million to advanced landing gear research in partnership with Héroux-Devtek

    Boeing to Invest $240 Million CAD in Québec Aerospace Innovation

    – $110 million for the Aerospace Development Centre in new Québec Espace Aéro Innovation Zone

    – $95 million dedicated to advancing the development Wisk Aero’s autonomous, passenger carrying air taxi

    – $35 million to advanced landing gear research in partnership with Héroux-Devtek

    Montreal, QUEBEC, May 21, 2024 — Boeing [NYSE] today announced plans to invest in several Québec-based enterprises, including a $110 million anchor investment for an Aerospace Development Centre in the new Espace Aéro Innovation Zone. The investments are part of Boeing’s Industrial and Technological Benefits commitment to Canada for its selection of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon to fulfill its long-term multi-mission aircraft role.

    Boeing’s Québec investments also comprise two planned technology developments, to include Wisk’s Montreal-based engineering center focused on the development of its autonomous, electric, 4-passenger eVTOL air taxi. In addition, Boeing is planning to collaborate in Espace Aéro with Héroux-Devtek on advanced landing gear research.

    Recognizing that Espace Aéro seeks to foster a culture of collaboration, with a mission to advance sustainable aerospace in Canada, Boeing is assessing additional projects to locate in Espace Aéro, aligned with the zone’s technology development priorities of decarbonization and autonomy.

    “Quebec’s aerospace capabilities are recognized worldwide, and we are excited to partner with the province on new initiatives that will generate cutting-edge technologies, drive economic growth and support decarbonisation of aviation,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, President of Boeing Global. “These investments serve as a testament to Canada’s aviation leadership and exemplify Boeing’s unwavering commitment to the country, where we have been driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the nation for over a century.”

    “Today’s announcement is all about Canada’s economic benefits policy at work. It’s not just about procuring Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon. With this state-of-the-art Aerospace Development Centre, Canada will also benefit from Boeing’s strategic investments in leading Canadian firms,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Coupled with Québec‘s Innovation Zone, this will attract top-tier industry players, creating good jobs and countless opportunities.”

    “Boeing’s continued support of our Montreal engineering hub is a testament to the important work we’re already doing here in Canada,” said Sebastien Vigneron, Wisk’s Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs. “This is a tremendous opportunity to expand our team, tap further into the exceptional aerospace talent in Québec, and bring us one step closer to making our mission of bringing safe, everyday flight to everyone a reality.”     

    Martin Brassard, President and CEO of Héroux-Devtek, said Boeing’s investment in next-generation landing gear technology with Héroux-Devtek will further enhance Québec’s manufacturing capabilities and access to talent. “We proudly stand on the ground floor of this innovation hub that is poised to become the gold standard for aerospace research,” he added.

    The Government of Canada announced its decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon aircraft in November 2023 as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project. Boeing’s investments in Québec build on more than $2 billion in P-8 contracts with Canadian companies to date, contributing jobs, and economic growth across the country. According to an independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation, the purchase will generate benefits of nearly 3,000 jobs and $358 million annually in economic output to Canada.

    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

  • Boeing Names Former Royal Canadian Air Force Commander to Lead Canada Operations

    • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Al Meinzinger brings over thirty-five years of RCAF service to role as President of Boeing Canada
    • Boeing marks 105-years of partnership in Canada

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 17, 2024 – Boeing has appointed Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Al Meinzinger as president of Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd., effective June 6, 2024. A distinguished leader and veteran, Meinzinger will report to Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, and succeeds Charles “Duff” Sullivan who retired earlier this year.

    Meinzinger will lead Boeing’s operations in Canada, where the company maintains a significant customer, employee and supplier base.

    “We are pleased to welcome Lt. Gen. Meinzinger to lead Boeing in one of its most significant international supplier bases and build on the company’s 105-year partnership in Canada. Al’s extensive aerospace experience and strong relationships will be key to continuing to deliver to our customers in Canada.” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. “I want to thank and acknowledge Duff for his significant contribution to Boeing in Canada over the last three years.”

    Meinzinger’s career spans over thirty-five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, including his recent role as the longest-serving Commander in the last 60 years. In addition to his work with the RCAF, Meinzinger served in numerous leadership positions including Director of Strategic Joint Staff, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada. He also served in the United States as a member of NORAD and US Northern Command where he was instrumental in refreshing its national Arctic strategy and in Afghanistan as Canada’s Air Wing Commander, where he oversaw the delivery of air capabilities in theatre.

    “I am excited to join the Boeing team, connect with our customers, employees and suppliers, and lead our operations in Canada,” said Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada. “I look forward to embarking on this new role as Boeing moves into its second century of partnership in Canada.”

    2024 marks the 105th anniversary of Boeing’s partnership with Canada. With approximately 2,000 employees at 15 locations across the country, Boeing Canada supplies composite parts for all current Boeing commercial airplane models and supports Canadian airlines and the Canadian Armed Forces with products and services.

    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

  • Boeing partners with Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies to elevate Indigenous education

    • Boeing invests $17M CAD in leading aerospace training program

    SASKATOON, SK, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ – The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced a $17M CAD investment from the company to advance Indigenous aerospace training and education in Saskatchewan.

    The funds will support SIIT’s programs, services and operations focusing on the expansion of the Saskatoon Aviation Learning Centre (SALC) to increase training of aircraft maintenance engineers in the province.  With the expansion of this training facility and program offerings, SIIT is working to address the shortage of skilled labour in aerospace with talented Indigenous professionals.

    “In 2010, SIIT laid the foundation for what has become a long-standing partnership with Boeing with their initial support of the SALC,” explained Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of SIIT. “Boeing has demonstrated time and again its commitment to workforce diversification and investment in Indigenous businesses and institutions. This contribution signifies more than just financial support; it represents a pathway to empowerment, employment and economic reconciliation.”

    Boeing Logo (CNW Group/Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies)

    Boeing’s support for SIIT’s initial creation of the SALC laid the foundation for what has become a long-standing partnership, now further strengthened by this new $17M investment.

    “With over a century in Canada’s aviation industry, Boeing understands the importance of supporting programs like those offered by SIIT,” said Pierre Ruel, interim managing director of Boeing Canada. “We recognize the urgent need to address the labour shortages impacting our industry. Our partnership with SIIT will not only support their valuable programs but also ensure that Indigenous peoples, who are an integral part of our sector’s future workforce, receive the education and training they need.”

    Boeing’s new investment in SIIT comes as a result of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) stemming from the Government of Canada’s selection of the P-8A Poseidon as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project. Canada’s ITB policy leverages defence procurements to contribute to jobs, innovation and economic growth across the country.

    “Creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous students is key to building a more inclusive and more just society,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, this partnership between SIIT and Boeing will provide Indigenous students with the education and training they need to pursue exciting career opportunities in the aerospace sector. In addition, this partnership will support economic growth in a vital and rapidly growing sector of the Canadian economy.”

    The partnership between SIIT and Boeing is instrumental in creating a lasting impact on the educational landscape, fostering growth, and opening doors to new possibilities for Indigenous learners.

    “Education and meaningful career opportunities lead to a brighter future,” said Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.  “Today’s investment will provide talented Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan with the training and education they need for an exciting career in an industry which is growing and in great need of their skills.”

    Boeing
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

    Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)
    Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies was established in 1976 by Saskatchewan First Nations Chiefs representing all Treaty areas. Today, SIIT remains a First Nations-governed educational institution – and one of only four credit-granting post-secondary institutions in the province. SIIT provides adult learners with academic, vocational, and technical training, as well as services and supports for employment and career growth. Indigenous learners are at the core of SIIT, representing over 95 percent of the student body.

  • Air Canada to Acquire 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner Aircraft under ongoing Fleet Renewal and Fuel Efficiency Drive

    • Firm order for 18 aircraft and 12 options; first delivery scheduled for late 2025
    • Aircraft to feature new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design
    • Air Canada converts two Boeing 777 freighter orders to passenger aircraft

    MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2023 /CNW/ – Air Canada today said it has placed a firm order with The Boeing Company for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in Q4 2025 with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027.  They will be used to replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft currently in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which will provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand.  

    “Air Canada has made investing in the passenger experience a core priority. Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of this popular aircraft, which will premiere a new, state-of-the-art interior cabin design. As importantly, the 787 is highly fuel efficient and will generate operational savings as well as support our sustainability goals of reducing emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

    Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner, with two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order. The 787-10 is the largest model of the Dreamliner family and can carry more than 330 customers depending on the seat configuration, and has 175 cubic meters (6,187 cubic feet) of cargo volume. The Dreamliner provides exceptional passenger comfort with enhanced cabin pressurization and humidity controls, and the largest dimmable windows of any commercial aircraft.  According to Boeing, the 787-10 has up to 25 per cent lower fuel emissions per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

    Fleet Renewal

    The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of an ongoing fleet renewal program at Air Canada, with the airline continuing to take delivery of new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as plans to acquire 28 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft, also beginning in 2025.  In addition, as previously announced, Air Canada has finalized a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace, which are expected to enter service in 2028.

    The Boeing 787-10 aircraft order announced with Boeing today substitutes for a previously announced agreement to purchase two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft and, as a result, Air Canada will no longer take delivery of the two freighters. In total, Air Canada currently operates approximately 240 aircraft in its mainline and Air Canada Rouge fleet.

    About Air Canada

    Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada aims to achieve an ambitious net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050.

  • WestJet Group furthers growth strategy, inking deal with Boeing for an additional 42 fuel-efficient 737-10 aircraft plus 22 options

    Multi-billion-dollar investment to strengthen airline’s presence in Western Canada and underpin growth in transcontinental and leisure offerings from eastern Canadian communities

    Aircraft to foster low-cost positioning and greater affordability for Canadians

    CALGARY, AB, Sept. 29, 2022 /CNW/ – Today the WestJet Group announced an agreement with Boeing to purchase an additional 42 MAX aircraft, along with options for 22 more. This order is in addition to WestJet’s remaining 23 MAX orders and extends the airline’s fleet growth plans out to 2028.

    https://www.westjet.com/content/dam/westjet/images/newsroom/thumbnails/en/2022/737-10_Fleet_Newsroom%20sized.png

    “With this additional order, the WestJet Group will accept delivery of no fewer than 65 aircraft in the next six years, at least 50 will be 737-10 aircraft, furthering our commitment to affordable travel options for Canadians and jobs for our company and the aerospace industry,” said WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer Alexis von Hoensbroech. “WestJet’s expansion plans are rooted in an enhanced presence in Western Canada and a growth strategy in eastern Canadian communities through increased transcontinental flights and more direct routes to sun and leisure destinations. This will be further strengthened once our Sunwing transaction has been approved.”

    WestJet’s Board of Directors approved the order for state-of-the-art Boeing 737-10 aircraft, the largest model in Boeing’s MAX family. The 737-10 provides superior economic benefits to any other 737 aircraft in WestJet’s fleet, while ensuring simplicity through expected training commonality across the airline’s 737 fleet.

    “The 737-10 will provide WestJet with additional capacity and unrivalled efficiency as the airline further expands its network of destinations across Canada and internationally. WestJet understands the value of the 737 MAX family, with the 737-10 set to perfectly complement the outstanding capability and flexibility already afforded by the 737-8, along with improved sustainability across its fleet,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

    “The 737-10 will be a game changer, with one of the lowest costs per seat among mid-range aircraft. This will foster our low-cost positioning and affordability for Canadians. In addition, with its lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the 737-10 will further improve the environmental footprint of our fleet,” said von Hoensbroech. “Thank you to our Board of Directors, who endorsed both the business and environmental merits of this agreement. It reflects our confidence in our business model and sustained market recovery, as we emerge from the pandemic being one of few airlines at scale that have not drawn any sector-specific government aid.”

    The WestJet Group’s fleet, with an average age under 10 years, is among the youngest of established North American carriers.

    Features of the Boeing 737-10:

    • Greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane in the industry.
    • Can cover 99 per cent of the world’s single-aisle routes, ideal to serve WestJet’s growing domestic and international network.
    • Reduced fuel use and carbon emissions by at least 20 per cent per seat compared to previous generations, helping airlines make air travel even more sustainable.
    • Improved guest comfort with a quieter cabin featuring the Boeing Sky Interior, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger overhead stowage bins.
    • Quieter airplane, creating a 50 percent smaller noise footprint than the airplanes it replaces.

    WestJet has a current fleet size of approximately 170 aircraft across the WestJet Group, with 110 active 737s. WestJet announced its strategic path forward in June, with the 737 as a key pillar of long-term growth.

    Additional Quotes:
    The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra
    “Today’s announcement by WestJet is exciting news for Canadian travelers and our national air industry as a whole. As we enter post-pandemic recovery, investments like these in sustainable and affordable air travel will ensure that our air sector remains strong. I look forward to continuing the work our Government is doing with WestJet and air carriers across the country to make air travel safer, cleaner, and more affordable for everyone.”

    About WestJet 
    In 26 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.

    Recent  recognition includes:

    • 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty)
    • 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
    • 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for Airlines)
    • 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada)

  • Finally! Air Canada Receives Final 737 MAX from Order

    As reported in our Fleet Information on 6 August 2022 🔗Click to View

    Web News • 7 August 2022

    Click to View 🔗 a new window (or tab) will open to an external site reporting on Canadian aviation news.

  • Boeing, CAE sign MOU to enhance global aerospace training, innovation and fleet support

    Farnborough, July 19, 2022 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and CAE [NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE]

    CAE today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their collaboration and explore further teaming opportunities in defense aerospace training. The memorandum leverages the strengths, skills, and advanced technologies of Boeing and CAE with the intent to further enhance innovation and competition through potential joint-offerings.

    Additionally, the MOU aims to advance mission readiness for defense customers worldwide operating Boeing military aircraft. Working together, Boeing and CAE are uniquely qualified to deliver outcome-based pilot training, aircrew ground school, in-service support, and instructor training at the point of need.

    “Boeing and CAE share an unwavering commitment to deliver value through innovative training solutions that provide increased efficacy and reliability to our defense and commercial services customers,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO, Boeing Global Services. “This collaboration demonstrates the best of how governments and industry can collaborate to benefit customers worldwide.”

    This collaboration amplifies a long-standing relationship spanning commercial and defense portfolios across the globe. CAE is an integral partner on the CH-47 Chinook program in Germany, has supported Boeing extensively with P-8 training solutions worldwide, and is a charter member of Team Poseidon in Boeing’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft offering. This MOU builds on the recent exclusive teaming agreement in Germany for Chinook, and continues our joint efforts to deliver enhanced training offerings for Chinook in the United Arab Emirates that support Emiratization efforts, as well as expanding P-8 solutions in Canada, Germany, and Norway.

    “Our purpose is to prepare our military customers for safe and successful mission outcomes through advanced training and mission readiness,” says Daniel Gelston, president, CAE Defense & Security. “CAE and Boeing are leveraging our global training experience and aircraft expertise to expand solutions that support modernization and adaptability for the future of these platforms.”

    The MOU expands Boeing and CAE international teaming and supplier networks to provide solutions that support both customer and regional development.

    About Boeing

    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.

    About CAE

    CAE Defense & Security is at the leading edge of digital innovation providing training and mission support solutions across multi-domain operations – air, land, maritime, space and cyber.  Our training and operational support solutions prepare customers who operate in complex, high-stakes environments where mission readiness and successful outcomes are critical.  CAE is the world’s leading pure play, platform agnostic training and simulation company serving the global defense market. Learn more at www.cae.com.

    At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, airlines, defence and security forces, and healthcare practitioners to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with more than 13,000 employees in more than 200 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators, surgical manikins, and personalized training programs powered by artificial intelligence. We’re investing our time and resources into building the next generation of cutting-edge, digitally immersive training and critical operations solutions while keeping positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact at the core of our mission. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

  • Air Canada reportedly in talks to add Airbus A321s as COVID subsides

    From BNN Bloomberg News 🔗 link to source story

    Charlotte Ryan, Siddharth Philip and Layan Odeh, Bloomberg News | 23 February 2022

    Air Canada is in talks with Airbus SE about adding longer-distance A321neo jets alongside its fleet of Boeing Co. 737 narrowbodies as travel demand rebounds, people with knowledge of the matter said.

    The carrier is looking at ordering 10 to 20 aircraft, one of the people said. The negotiations are preliminary and may not lead to a deal, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing matters that aren’t public.

    While Air Canada was an established operator of Airbus’s original A320 family, it chose the Boeing Max in the contest between new-generation planes. Adding a small fleet of A321neos would bring a further boost for an Airbus model that can carry 220 people in two classes over longer distances than the rival Max 10.

    Air Canada is also talking with jet lessors about sourcing the A321s, one of the people said.

    An Airbus spokeswoman declined to comment on any discussions the company may have with customers. 

    Air Canada referenced a Feb. 18 conference call, when Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau discussed fleet renewal initiatives as the airline emerges from the pandemic. Last May, the CEO said that Airbus A321LR, or long range, models “potentially have a place in the Air Canada fleet as we go forward.”
     

    AIRLINE PIVOTS

    Other airlines have also returned to growth mode, looking ahead to fielding newer, less-polluting planes in the post-pandemic era as the drag on demand caused by the coronavirus starts to lift.

    Qatar Airways, JetBlue Airways Corp. and Allegiant Travel Co. are among carriers making fresh narrow-body commitments since the start of the year. 

    IAG SA, the parent of British Airways, is in advanced talks on a mixed order for dozens of single-aisle jets, including up to 50 Boeing Co. 737 Max and Airbus A320s also being discussed, Reuters reported earlier, citing industry sources. 

    The order would be a step down from the 200-plane Max commitment to announced with fanfare at the Paris air show in 2019, yet it would still mark a victory for Boeing after IAG reopened the contest last year. IAG currently operates Airbus narrow-bodies.
     

    AIR CANADA PLANS

    Air Canada, which said Tuesday it will relaunch 34 international routes, announced last week that it had reinstated a commitment for 12 Airbus A220s, a smaller jet originally designed and built by Canada’s Bombardier Inc. 

    The deliveries were canceled in 2020 after the virus stifled demand and Air Canada struggled to secure pandemic aid from the government. The carrier also scaled back its Boeing Max deal by a third to 40, and deferred some of those handovers. 

    In November, Air Canada changed course, accelerating Max deliveries and reversing two of the A220 cancellations to restore its network.

    As it stands, the fleet comprises around 170 aircraft, including older A320s and a Boeing-dominated wide-body lineup.

    The A321, prized by airlines for its combination of capacity and range, is in short supply with yearslong production backlogs. Airbus’s cancellation of a Qatar Airways order amid a contract dispute could free up some capacity, though a London judge has ordered the manufacturer to hold the slots for now.

  • New Year Prospects: Air Canada’s Fleet In 2022

    From Simple Flying – link to source story

    by Chris Loh | January 1, 2022

    Continuing its slow recovery from the worst of the global health crisis, major Canadian airline Air Canada the growth of its fleet in 2021. Notably, this consisted of the addition of a number of Airbus A220-300s as well as several Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Let’s take a glance at where Air Canada’s fleet stands at the start of 2022.

    B737_Max_8_Water-1538
    It appears that Air Canada took delivery of seven Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft during the 2nd half of 2021. Photo: Air Canada

    Air Canada’s fleet composition at a glance

    According to data from Planespotters.net, Air Canada has the following aircraft in its fleet. The quantities are noted alongside the type, with the change from last year’s report (published June 2021) in parentheses.

    Aircraft from Airbus*:
    • A220-300: 27 (+5)
    • A320-200: 17 (-1)
    • A321-200: 15 (no change)
    • A330-300: 16 (no change)

    *We should note that the airline ordered the A220 when it was still known as the Bombardier CSeries.

    Aircraft from Boeing:
    • 737 MAX 8: 31 (+7)
    • 767-300BCF*: 3 (+3)
    • 777-200LR: 6 (no change)
    • 777-300ER: 18 (-1)
    • 787-8: 8 (no change)
    • 787-9: 29 (no change)

    *One Air Canada 767-300 has completed its conversion from passenger to freighter. The remaining two are in the process of being converted.

    B777-300ER-4
    It appears that one Boeing 777-300ER left the fleet. Photo: Air Canada

    Growing the short and medium-haul fleet

    As you can see from the changes since our last Air Canada fleet report, the carrier has gained five Airbus A220-300s and seven Boeing 737 MAX 8s.

    As noted previously, there was a little bit of a back-and-forth when the carrier announced it would be canceling some of its orders in November of 2020, which would have seen orders for 12 A220s and 10 737 MAX 8s axed. However, one condition of the Canadian government’s rescue package was that it would proceed with its planned orders for both aircraft types. As a result, the airline has nine 737 MAX 8s and 18 A220-300s still on the way.

    A220-300-2
    The airline continues to grow its A220 and 737 numbers. Photo: Air Canada

    Going big on cargo operations

    One surprising standout number from our list was the “addition” of three Boeing 767-300s from last year. This change is, again, a bit of a back and forth. During the worst of the crisis, Air Canada had decided to retire its 767s.

    However, cargo demand has been soaring amid increased eCommerce activity, decreased transportation capacity, and global supply chain snarls. These factors led the airline to convert its passenger 767s into full freighters, complete with a large door to handle containers on the main deck. Work was, and continues to be, done at IAI facilities in Tel Aviv.

    It’s not just 767s and the bellies of passenger aircraft being used for cargo operations. At the time of this article’s publication, the carrier has four of its 16 A330-300s and seven of its 18 Boeing 777-300ERs operating as “preighters” (passenger freighters). These are passenger aircraft which have had their seats removed in order to accommodate freight. Making use of the fleet’s younger jets for reasons unknown, the airline was able to provide additional cargo capacity to Canada’s west coast, which had its main road and rail supply lines cut off from the rest of the country in November, due to extreme and extensive flooding.