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Category: Airbus

  • Airbus Unveils its Brand New A220 Delivery Centre in Mirabel

    Airbus Unveils its Brand New A220 Delivery Centre in MirabelIncreased Capacity and Customer Experience

    Mirabel, Canada, 11 June 2025 – Airbus has officially opened the doors of its all-new A220 delivery centre in Mirabel, Canada earlier this year. The construction of this ~7,000 squaremeter (~75,000 square-foot) delivery centre is adding four new aircraft delivery positions – two interior and two exterior – and additional offices to receive A220 customers and delivery teams. This A220 delivery centre is now the collaborative centre for all Mirabel deliveries.

    Located on the west side of the Mirabel A220 pre-final assembly line (pre-FAL), the delivery centre comprises welcome areas, conference rooms, a catering area, customer and support offices, a tarmac, and a dedicated customer parking of 30 places with easier access from the main road. The delivery centre has been designed and built with Airbus’ high5+ environmental objectives in mind. The centre has a reduced energy consumption thanks to the use of geothermal energy, aerothermal systems and low-flow equipment, among others.

    “Airbus Canada plays a critical role in Quebec’s aerospace ecosystem. With this sustainable building, the company will reach its production goals for the A220 Programme, and further boost Quebec’s ranking as a world leader in aeronautics”, said Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region.“

    This new A220 delivery centre showcases Airbus’ and Quebec’s extensive know-how to airlines worldwide, by delivering a high quality and technologically advanced latest-generation aircraft from a well-equipped centre specially designed to optimise the delivery process and accommodate our customers’ needs. The new delivery centre will allow A220 customers to enjoy the same delivery experience as in Airbus’ other delivery sites worldwide”, said Benoît Schultz, President and CEO, Airbus Canada.

    In addition to this brand new delivery center building, expanded integration flight testing capability was brought to the site in 2024 and a new pre-final assembly line was inaugurated in 2022. Furthermore, operational and industrial optimisation is also being implemented in order to enable tasks to be realised in parallel and combined at work stations. Such upgrading will enable increased task flexibility and more fluidity throughout the whole line. These recent site expansions and enhancements have been implemented to support the ongoing A220 Programme ramp-up.

    The A220 is the only Airbus commercial aircraft Programme headquartered outside of Europe, making Canada an instrumental part of Airbus international presence. Airbus holds 75% of the shares in Airbus Canada, and the Government of Quebec holds 25%. In Canada, more than 5,000 people work at Airbus, 4,500 of them in the province of Quebec.Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and widest cabin in its class, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). As at the end of May 2025, Airbus had received more than 900 orders for the A220, of which over 415 have been delivered and contributed to carry more than 160 million passengers across the globe.

  • Air Niugini discloses order for two more Airbus A220s

    Toulouse, France, 28 May 2025 – Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has
    signed a firm order with Airbus for two more latest generation single-aisle A220-100s. This
    follows an initial order in 2023 for six aircraft. In addition, the carrier has lease agreements
    signed for three A220-300s from US-based lessor Azorra.
    The new order was disclosed as the first A220 for the airline entered final assembly at Airbus
    facilities in Mirabel in Canada.
    Gary Seddon, Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini said: “The A220 is set to form the
    backbone of our domestic and regional fleet and will support economic development in Papua
    New Guinea. As we continue to forecast strong growth we have made the decision to increase
    our orders for this fuel efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for
    our operations.”
    Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business said: “This is Air
    Niugini’s second order for the A220. We are committed to working closely with the airline as
    we support its fleet renewal programme. The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in
    its size category, with a wider and spacious cabin and the range to fly non-stop to any
    destination on the carrier’s network.”
    Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption, the A220 is the most modern airliner
    in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical
    miles (6,700 km). Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat
    market, while the larger A220-300 is perfectly tailored for the 120-160 seat market.
    The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines and offers a 25%
    reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to previous generation
    aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50%
    Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with
    up to 100% SAF by 2030.

    As at the end of April 2025, Airbus had received over 900 orders from more than 30 customers
    for the A220, of which over 410 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service
    with 24 operators worldwide. The fleet is currently flying on more than 1,600 routes and more
    than 470 destinations across the globe, confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle
    market.@AirNiugini @Airbus #A220 @PXPNG

  • Airbus Opens New Helicopter Distribution Centre and Strengthens Ontario Presence

    Fort Erie, Canada 15 May 2025 – Airbus Helicopters in Canada today marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new integrated distribution centre in the Niagara region. The 21,000 sq. ft. facility will serve to bolster industrial operations while significantly expanding spare parts storage capacity.

    This strategic establishment further solidifies Airbus Helicopters’ long-standing commitment to Ontario and the broader Canadian aerospace landscape. The new centre will contribute to sustaining over 300 skilled jobs in the region, reaffirming the company’s leadership position within Canada’s dynamic aerospace sector. Moreover, Airbus is actively strengthening its collaborative network with numerous Canadian suppliers and distributors, leveraging the existing strong synergy within the local aerospace ecosystem.

    “The expansion of our footprint in Ontario underscores the strategic importance of Canada to Airbus’ global operations. This new integrated distribution centre represents a significant investment and a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to innovation, local talent development, and Canadian leadership in aerospace,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “By deepening our roots here, we are not only proactively addressing the evolving demands of the helicopter market but also actively contributing to the economic strength and security of the region.”

    Strong demand for the advanced twin-engine helicopter portfolio, especially the H135 (recently chosen by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Air Force for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program), is driving a need for added space for customization and completion activities. This new facility will allow the existing manufacturing and completions center in Fort Erie to expand its activities, supporting future growth and our ability to meet customer needs. The Niagara Distribution Centre will play a key role in optimizing inventory management and streamlining logistics flows, efficiently supporting key business lines including helicopter completions, component repair and overhaul, advanced composite materials manufacturing, and comprehensive spare parts support.

    The expanded operational footprint is designed to enhance overall efficiency and performance,
    including:

    • Accelerated shipping timelines for critical components.
    • Significantly increase on-site storage capacity for spare parts, ensuring enhanced availability.
    • Establishment of a central distribution hub, further strengthening the region’s position as a leading aerospace manufacturing centre.
    • Optimized operational efficiency through focused management within the dedicated distribution centre

  • Airbus launches study on non-CO2 aircraft emissions with Canadian aerospace partners

    TOULOUSE, France and MIRABEL, QC, March 25, 2025 /CNW/ – Airbus and major Canadian aerospace academic and research organisations have launched a project to measure non-CO2 emissions produced from different jet fuels, including 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

    An A220 Flight Test Vehicle (FTV) at Airbus in Mirabel, Canada. © Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 2025 (CNW Group/Airbus)
    An A220 Flight Test Vehicle (FTV) at Airbus in Mirabel, Canada. © Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 2025 (CNW Group/Airbus)

    The project named Contrail Research Yielding STimulating Advanced RQL Learning (CRYSTAL) includes a ground and flight test campaign at Airbus’ Mirabel site in Canada, the A220 Programme headquarters.  The CRYSTAL project aims at measuring emissions on-wing (ground testing) and in-flight emissions and contrails at various altitudes (flight testing) using the A220 flight test aircraft. 

    Both ground and flight tests will be operating on Jet A-1 and 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to study the effects on emissions and contrail properties, and the associated climate impacts. The data generated will be used by the scientific community to improve contrail models and identify engine technology and fuels that could minimise the climate impact from contrails.

    The ground tests are planned to happen as of Q3 2025 and the flight tests in 2027. YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel airport managed by ADM (Aéroports de Montréal) will support this collaboration. The CRYSTAL project will be one of the key projects under Espace Aero –  the first official Quebec aerospace innovation zone project this year.

    The project includes expertise from key Canadian players such as Polytechnique Montréal, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and FSM Management Group. Airbus and its partners are in discussion with government programmes including Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) and Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ) to support the project. This collaboration demonstrates Airbus’ and the global and local aerospace industry’s willingness to join forces to better understand aviation emissions, so that they can be addressed in the most effective manner in the future. 

    Mélanie Lussier, President of Aéro Montréal, said: “Espace Aéro is proud to see a major project take shape with CRYSTAL, driven by Airbus’ leadership and its partners. This collaborative initiative, led by CRIAQ and INSAT, perfectly reflects our innovation zone’s commitment to decarbonization and showcases how Quebec’s ingenuity and innovation are helping to shape the sustainable aviation of tomorrow. By bringing together industrial and academic players around concrete solutions, we are strengthening Quebec’s position as a leader in aerospace environmental performance.”

    Martin Massé, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, ADM, said: “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is proud to be involved in this visionary research project. For many years now, our organization has prided itself on making its facilities available to support partners in the aviation ecosystem on their journey towards net zero emissions. As a world-class aeronautical hub and innovation zone, the YMX site was the perfect place to be at the forefront of this initiative, which will ultimately enable our industry to take the next step towards decarbonizing its activities.”

    Catherine Guillemart, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Canada, Airbus said: “We are delighted to collaborate with world-class partners in Canada, as we are committed to supporting the aviation industry’s efforts to research on non-CO2 emissions. Increasing the scientific data to further understand the formation of non CO2-emissions remains key for the industry to understand their effects.”

    CRYSTAL is an initiative similar to the VOLCAN and ECLIF3 projects previously carried out by Airbus in Europe, respectively with aircraft from the A320neo and A350 Families.

    Visit our website to learn more about the Airbus Summit which includes content on Non-CO2 emissions. To know more about Airbus’ efforts to reduce Non-CO2 emissions, visit here.

    Learn more about Airbus’ decarbonisation roadmap.

    For more information on the A220 Programme, visit our website.

    @Airbus #AirbusSummit #contrails #A220 #Canada

    About Airbus in Canada
    In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten sites and Airbus offices and subsidiaries covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus has been present in Canada for over 40 years and contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies. The A220 is the only Airbus commercial aircraft programme to be piloted outside of Europe, making Canada the most significant official presence of Airbus outside of Europe. To learn more about Airbus’ presence in Canada, visit the page here.

  • Airbus Canada rolls out sustainable aviation fuel, unlocking 100% SAF capacity across all delivery centres worldwide

    MIRABEL, QC, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ – The first sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) delivery recently took place at the Airbus Canada’s A220 site, enabling the Mirabel teams to use SAF for production, customer acceptance and test flights. This now means that all Airbus commercial aircraft assembly sites around the world are now using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for their internal operations.

    SAF truck at Airbus Canada - © Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 2025 (CNW Group/Airbus)
    SAF truck at Airbus Canada – © Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 2025 (CNW Group/Airbus)

    During the course of 2025, all Airbus commercial aircraft delivery centers around the world will offer SAF to customers for ferry flights. This year alone, in 2025, over 600,000 litres of SAF with a 30% blend are expected to be used at the Airbus Mirabel site resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 400 metric tons.

    Benoît Schultz, CEO Airbus Canada said, “On average, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. This substantial reduction is crucial to the industry’s progress towards decarbonisation by 2050. It’s a big milestone to now have our Mirabel site in Canada, as SAF capable as our other Airbus sites. It not only means we can test our A220 aircraft using SAF, but we will also be able to deliver them to our customers with SAF too.”

    In 2024, 18% of Airbus global fuel mix for the year was SAF. That’s more than 16 million litres of neat SAF. Alongside this, 75% of our aircraft worldwide were delivered with SAF, representing also the importance our customers are placing on decarbonisation.

    Management of SAF in Mirabel will be done using the mass balance principle. Once the SAF has been transported and delivered to Airbus Canada, it is blended with the conventional aviation fuel (CAF) also known as Jet-A1 in the Mirabel site’s fuel farm. The dilution of CAF and SAF in the fuel tanks is allowed through established standards and auditable bookkeeping. Airbus Canada has the ambition to deliver SAF Proof of Sustainability (PoS) to A220 customers receiving their aircraft from Mirabel in 2025. SAF has been used in A220 aircraft delivered from our A220 Mobile Final Assembly Line since 2016.

    As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

    The Airbus site in Mirabel is over 1.5 million square feet and includes, among others, a pre-final assembly line (pre-FAL), two final assembly lines (FAL), a customer response centre (CRC), a flight and integration test centre (FITC), and a brand new delivery centre. Over 3,500 Airbus employees work at this location.

    Visit our website to learn more about the Airbus Summit which includes SAF.

    To know more about Airbus’ efforts to support SAF adoption, visit our website.

    Learn more about Airbus’ decarbonisation roadmap.

    For more information on the A220 Programme, visit our website.

  • Air Canada celebrates five years of Airbus A220 operations, exercises options for five more aircraft

    Dec 20, 2024

    History was made on December 20, 2019, when Air Canada took delivery of its first Canadian designed and built Airbus A220-300. A few weeks later, Air Canada revealed this game-changing aircraft to the public in a ceremony at its Montreal headquarters, allowing media and employees to have a first-hand look at an aircraft that has become a key part of the airline’s narrowbody fleet renewal.

    Fin 101, bearing the registration C-GROV in honour of former Air Canada President and CEO Calin Rovinescu, who was instrumental in Air Canada’s purchase of the fleet, took off for its maiden commercial flight from Montreal to Calgary on January 16, 2020.

    As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the A220 in our fleet, Air Canada has exercised purchase options for five additional aircraft, for a total fleet of 65.

    Air Canada was the first carrier in North America to operate the A220-300, heralding a new era of comfort that is unrivalled on a single-aisle aircraft in the Air Canada fleet. The airline is the only Canadian carrier to operate this aircraft. The A220 is assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, supporting the vibrant Canadian aerospace sector with more than 4,000 jobs. Since the creation of the programme in 2018, the A220 has contributed $ 5.7 billion to the GDP, 33,242 jobs and $ 3.5 billion in labour income according to a recent PwC study.

    “The A220 for us is an aircraft that is very versatile and very efficient, which only adds to the pride we have to be flying an aircraft built by Canadians,” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President, Network Planning – North America and Scheduling at Air Canada. “The future of the A220 at Air Canada is very exciting. It’s a future of growth that will bring with it new routes and an excellent passenger experience, making it a cornerstone of Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet renewal.”

    “The efficiency and economics of the A220 have enabled Air Canada to expand its network across North America with routes that were simply not commercially viable with the previous generation of aircraft,” Alex added.

    One of his favourite A220 routes, is Montreal to Austin, Texas. “The versatility of the aircraft allows it to do both short or long-haul segments across North America and to some Caribbean destinations,” he said.

    A hybrid occupying a critical niche between a regional and regular narrow-body jet, Air Canada’s A220 is configured with a choice of two cabins, with 12 seats in Business Class and 125 seats in Economy. It features more personal space, larger windows, full-colour LED ambient and customizable mood lighting. Onboard Air Canada’s fleet, the passenger experience is elevated with the addition of a Panasonic in-flight entertainment system at every seat, as well as satellite-based, high speed Wi-Fi access.

    “The first word that comes to mind when thinking about flying the A220 is ‘easy’. It’s an aircraft that is very intuitive, with well-designed systems that are not complicated for pilots. We have access to a ton of information that is easy to see and analyze,” said Captain Ian Beauchemin, an A220 Captain and check pilot at Air Canada. “I am extremely proud to be able to fly an aircraft that was built only a few kilometres from my base in Montreal. That it was built here, with all the engineering done in Quebec and Canada, and to fly this aircraft for the country’s flag carrier, I couldn’t be happier or prouder.”

    “We are proud that Air Canada has not only ordered the A220 but also come back for more over the years as this demonstrates the value the aircraft is bringing with economic performance and passenger appreciation of its innovative cabin. This Canadian-designed and built-aircraft has also positively contributed to progress in reaching ambitious environmental goals for Air Canada,” said Benoît Schultz, CEO at Airbus Canada. “Congratulations to Air Canada on five years of achievements and thank you for the continued trust in Airbus teams in Canada, North America and worldwide.”

    A few fun facts about the A220 at Air Canada

    Fin 101 – In addition to the C-GROV registration in honour of Calin Rovinescu, his signature adorns the aircraft right below the captain’s window.

    Fin 119 – This aircraft is painted in a special livery paying tribute to the airline’s history, featuring the TCA colours and logo from when the company was founded in 1937.

  • Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables renews fleet with four Airbus H125 helicopters

    FORT ERIE, ON, Oct. 17, 2024 /CNW/ – The government of Nova Scotia has placed an order for four Airbus H125 helicopters to be used by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, confirming a full fleet renewal.

    The aircraft will be used to support rapid response to wildfire fighting, search and rescue, emergency and personnel transportation in remote areas, and aerial surveillance

    “Emergencies like wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent because of climate change. That’s why we’re doing all we can to be prepared, including upgrading our fleet of helicopters. The Airbus H125s have served us well in fighting wildfires and for other uses,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.

    “It’s an honour that the province of Nova Scotia has once again chosen Airbus to support the vital missions of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. With wildfires becoming an increasing threat across Canada, helicopters like the H125 play an essential role in protecting our natural resources and ensuring swift action in critical situations,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “We deeply value their continued trust in Airbus and look forward to supporting their important work.”

    The Department previously took delivery of four Airbus H125 in 2016. Their decision to place this new order reflects their satisfaction with the versatility and performance of the H125 in meeting their unique mission requirements. The aircraft will be customised with various Canadian designed supplemental type certificates (STCs) and optional equipment, including: battery relocation, high visibility doors, squirrel cheeks cargo pods, longline release 50 AMP plug, cargo mirrors, enlarged floor window, cable cutter, litter kit, airframe fuel filter, blade tie down kit, and optimised utility panel.

    The H125 is widely known for its exceptional performance, enhanced manoeuvrability and ability to excel in hot and high environments. The H125’s flat cabin floor and hundreds of available optional equipment choices and STCs, allow it to be quickly and easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others. The H125 family accounts for above one-third of the Airbus in-service fleet globally, with nearly 1,500 in service in North America alone, and is a member of the Ecureuil family, which has accumulated over 40 million flight hours worldwide.

    Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. With over 760 helicopters in service and more than 220 operators across Canada, Airbus Helicopters in Canada is the leader for civil and parapublic helicopters with eight different Airbus types.

    © Copyright Mike Reyno

  • Airbus marks 40 years of growth in Canada with helicopter order for Ontario

    FORT ERIE, ON, Sept. 13, 2024 /CNW/ – Airbus celebrates 40 years of presence in Canada with an order by the Government of Ontario for three Airbus H135 helicopters for the Ontario Provincial Police in Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area and in the OPP’s North West (Thunder Bay) Region.

    Copyright Mike Reyno (CNW Group/Airbus)
    Copyright Mike Reyno (CNW Group/Airbus)

    Airbus Helicopters established its Fort Erie, Ontario, facility in 1984 which has served as the foundation for Airbus’ presence in Canada. Since the construction of the first helicopter production centre in Ontario, the company has greatly expanded its presence in the country and has grown to be a key player in the Canadian aerospace industry, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Established in several cities in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec, today Airbus boasts a robust industrial activity in the country, including its A220 commercial airline final assembly line and programme headquarters in Mirabel.

    Since its early days, Airbus’ helicopters have been protecting Canadian citizens through law enforcement, emergency medical services, energy, firefighting, search and rescue, private and business transport, and aerial work.

    At an official celebration held at Airbus Helicopters’ Fort Erie facility in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, and other dignitaries, joined in commemorating the company’s 40 years of contributions to Canada’s aerospace industry.

    “For 40 years, Airbus has been an important part of the community here in Fort Erie, helping create good-paying manufacturing jobs for our world-class Ontario workers, with economic benefits that have stretched across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so pleased to be here to congratulate the incredible team for their success over the last 40 years, and to announce that our government is continuing to support Ontario manufacturing workers by ordering three new Airbus H135 helicopters that will be used by the OPP to fight auto theft and keep communities safe.”    

    “Airbus Helicopters is a key player in our province’s aerospace industry, representing the best of Ontario-made innovation on the world stage,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate Airbus on their incredible 40 year milestone in our province, and thank them for their commitment to supporting the very best of Ontario’s highly-talented workforce in our tech and manufacturing sectors.”

    Dwayne Charette, President, Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said: “Over the past four decades, Airbus Helicopters in Canada has grown to be a key player in  our aerospace industry. Our success has been driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and close collaboration with our customers. As we celebrate this major milestone, it’s especially meaningful to see our trusted partners in law enforcement continue to choose us to support their vital missions. Thank you to the Ontario Provincial Police for their trust. This order is a testament to the strength of our relationships and our ongoing commitment to delivering solutions that meet the unique needs of those who safeguard our communities in Ontario”.

    On its 40th anniversary, Airbus reaffirms its determination to remain a key player in the Canadian aerospace industry and to pioneer sustainable aerospace. Building on its heritage and successes, the company is committed to continuing the excellence that has shaped the past four decades.

    The challenge of the next 40 years will be to decarbonize the aerospace industry. Airbus intends to actively contribute to sustainable development and the transformation of the aerospace sector by developing a range of solutions including cleaner fuels, hydrogen-powered aircraft and electric options. Earlier this year, Airbus announced respective memorandums of understanding with Canada’s three busiest airports, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure.

    In Ontario alone, Airbus Helicopters employs around 300 people. Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. With over 760 helicopters in service and more than 220 operators across Canada, Airbus Helicopters in Canada is the leader for civil and parapublic helicopters with eight different Airbus types. In 2023, Airbus helicopters in Canada accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie Ontario facility completes, customizes, and delivers helicopters for Canadian customers, and is the centre of excellence for light single gearboxes, and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe.

    About Airbus in Canada

    In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten sites and Airbus offices and subsidiaries covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus’ presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies. The A220 is the only Airbus commercial aircraft programme to be piloted outside of Europe, making Canada the most significant official presence of Airbus outside of Europe. To learn more about Airbus’ presence in Canada, visit the page here.

  • Airbus continues to invest in the A220 and extends its partnership with the Government of Quebec

    MIRABEL, QC, July 23, 2024 /CNW/ – Airbus and the Government of Quebec are jointly investing US$1.2 billion in the Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Airbus Canada) in proportion to their respective share ownership and are extending their partnership until 2035. This investment by the two shareholders in the industrialization and continuous improvement of the only commercial aircraft programme designed and manufactured in Quebec is key to the success of the A220 programme. The economic benefits from Airbus and the A220 have benefited, and will continue to benefit, the Quebec economy.

    The shareholders of Airbus Canada made the announcement at a press conference today at the A220 site in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, with the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, the Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and the Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region, Pierre Fitzgibbon, the Member of the National Assembly for Mirabel, Sylvie D’Amours, and the Member for Les Plaines, Lucie Lecours.

    Airbus holds 75% of the shares in Airbus Canada, and the Government of Quebec holds 25%. In proportion to their respective share ownership, Airbus will invest up to US$900 million and the Government of Quebec up to US$300 million, through Investissement Québec. The shareholders also agreed to extend the redemption date of the Government of Quebec’s equity interest in the partnership, from 2030 for an additional five-year period to 2035, which will give Airbus Canada time to create more value for the A220 programme, particularly as we aim to deliver 14 aircraft per month in 2026.

    Quotes

    “I am very proud to announce a new investment by our government in the Airbus A220 programme, a Quebec-designed aircraft which is the best in the world in its category. Today, we are consolidating the presence of Airbus, an aerospace giant, in a sector that creates enormous wealth for our nation. We are building a strong, prosperous and forward-looking economy in Quebec,” declares François Legault, Premier of Quebec.

    “The A220 is the fruit of Quebec genius, and we can be proud of having developed one of the best aircraft in the world. By extending our partnership with Airbus to accelerate activities around the development of the A220 aircraft, we are securing key jobs in the Mirabel region for years to come,” says Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region.

    “Since Airbus joined the partnership with the Government of Quebec in 2018, we have made a considerable investment in the A220 programme, in order to give this aircraft all the industrial fundamentals, processes and skills that will ensure all the success it deserves. We strongly believe in the future of the A220, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft, which is already recognized by airlines for its economic performance and reduced carbon footprint, and is also a favourite with passengers because of its innovative cabin design. Quebec has an outstanding labour force and aerospace ecosystem, and therefore has everything needed to ensure the full potential of the A220 programme,” expressed Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada.

    About the A220

    The programme has experienced substantial growth. Here are some key facts and figures about the achievements of the A220 and the Mirabel site since Airbus gained majority ownership on July 1, 2018:

    • The order book has more than doubled to over 900 aircraft to date.
    • The number of employees has increased by 75%, including 1,600 new hires in Quebec over the last two years, for a total of 3,500 people working on the A220.
    • The A220 has over 55% market share in its category, and improvements to the aircraft have been made to extend its range and increase its passenger load factor.
    • 20 times more passengers have flown on the 340 A220 aircraft currently operated by airlines, for a total of 100 million passengers to date.
    • Numerous industrial projects, such as the expansion of workstations, the addition of the only Airbus subassembly area outside Europe and inauguration of the A220 Flight and Integration Test Center, which began operations at the beginning of the year and ensures continuous improvement of the product. This is the second Airbus flight test center in the world, and comprises two test aircraft and aircraft test beds.
    • A commitment to innovation in Quebec as a driver of sustainable growth with the creation of ten partnerships between Airbus, SMEs, research centers and universities, particularly in supporting development of sustainable aviation fuels and of studies on the recycling of aeronautical materials.

    A recent study undertaken by PwC estimates that the A220 will have an economic impact in Canada of more than $40 billion over 20 years. You can access the study HERE.

    For more information on the A220, visit the page HERE.

    About Airbus in Canada

    The A220 is the only Airbus commercial aircraft programme to be piloted outside of Europe, making Canada the most significant official presence of Airbus outside of Europe. In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten sites and Airbus offices and subsidiaries, 4,000 of them in Quebec. 2024 marks the 40th anniversary for Airbus in Canada, given that its division Airbus Helicopters Canada, based in Fort Erie in Ontario, started its operations in 1984. To learn more about Airbus in Canada, click on the page HERE.

    About Airbus

    Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

  • Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport Sign with Airbus and ZeroAvia for Hydrogen Hubs at Canadian Airports

    MONTREAL, May 21, 2024 /CNW/ – Airbus and ZeroAvia have signed three respective Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada’s three busiest airports, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to study the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at airports in Canada. The press event took place at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, organized by Aéro Montréal.

    This is the first time that a feasibility study of this magnitude has taken place in Canada to pioneer hydrogen for aviation, with the three airports. It reflects the partners’ shared ambition to use their respective expertise to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry (ICAO, ATAG and IATA) and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Air transport is prime in the country because of its wide-spread geography. Not only does it connect to international cities but is also an important means of supplying critical connectivity domestically. Commercial flights in Canada enable the flows of goods, investments, people and ideas that are the fundamental drivers of economic growth. Air transport in Canada is forecast to grow by 51% in the next 20 years under the “current trends” scenario. This would result in an additional 39.8 million passenger journeys by 2037. (Source IATA Economics)

    This cooperation will provide better understanding of hydrogen aircraft concepts and operations, supply, infrastructure and refueling needs at airports, with the goal of developing the hydrogen aviation ecosystem across the country. The work will also collaborate to support the development of regulations and standards. Montreal is the home city of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and collaboration is a key driver to support a global framework.

    “Canada is one of the most promising regions for hydrogen hubs due to its natural resources. Canada has great potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric power. These first Canadian hydrogen partnerships enable us to cover the country from coast to coast. Hydrogen stands out as a key enabler as we pioneer a sustainable aviation future. We are very pleased to enter into this cooperation with partners fully engaged to take significant steps towards decarbonising aerospace. It fits perfectly with our strategy of deploying hydrogen aviation ecosystems in the most suitable parts of the world, now including North America”, said Karine Guenan, Vice-President of ZEROe Ecosystem.

    Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia, said: “We are bringing together Canada’s largest airports, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer and the leading innovator in decarbonised propulsion technology, in order to progress the transition to hydrogen aviation. ZeroAvia flight testing demonstrates that hydrogen-powered commercial aviation is a prospect ahead of 2030, so we need to start working hard to prepare for the hydrogen infrastructure needed to support the aviation industry and airports as they step into a new golden age of clean flight.”

    Yves Beauchamp, President and CEO of ADM Aéroports de Montréal, said: “ADM is committed to decarbonizing airport operations and improving air quality at its YUL and YMX sites. The use of hydrogen as a fuel for aircraft is a forward-looking solution that fits perfectly with these goals. This partnership will allow our organization not only to better prepare for the introduction of this alternative in our airport operations, but above all to adequately plan the infrastructure required to offer it at YUL as early as 2035. As Montréal is the world’s civil aviation capital, we are all the more proud that our city is playing a leading role in this sustainable innovation project.”

    “Toronto Pearson is committed to making our own operations and those of the larger aviation industry more sustainable. Our partnership with Airbus and ZeroAvia is an extension of our ongoing efforts to adopt clean energy solutions, including the construction of our new hydrogen filling station,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “The future of airports and their aviation partners will be built with innovative infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact.”

    “We know when it comes to climate change, aviation isn’t the enemy, carbon is. Looking into the feasibility of airports as Hydrogen Hubs is an important step on the journey to net zero carbon emissions,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport. “The collaboration between Airbus, ZeroAvia and the three biggest airports in Canada will help identify the changes required in our industry and supporting ecosystem to meet carbon reduction goals.”

    The use of hydrogen to power future aircraft is not only expected to significantly reduce aircraft emissions in the air, but could also help decarbonise air transport activities on the ground. In 2020, Airbus unveiled the first ZEROe concept with the ambition to bring to market the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. The development of the corresponding technology bricks is now underway in a global Research & Technology network.

    Airbus also launched the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” programme to jumpstart research into infrastructure requirements and low-carbon airport operations, across the entire value chain. To date agreements have been announced with partners and airports in ten countries including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom. ZEROe wishes to develop its hydrogen visibility and partnership network in North America. Therefore, there is a strong need to recruit partners in the region.

    ZeroAvia has an active certification application for a powertrain (ZA600) for 10-20 seat aircraft, targeting market entry within the next couple of years, and is also developing a second engine (ZA2000) for 40-80 seat aircraft to follow soon after. In addition, the company is working to develop the hydrogen fuel ecosystem to support these clean propulsion systems at airports by developing unique production, storage and dispensing technologies, and by working with airport partners to plan for hydrogen operations in the near future.

    Airbus has been in Canada for 40 years with more than 4,500 people working at the ten sites and offices of Airbus and its subsidiaries sourcing around C$2 billion annually from Canadian companies. Canada is also home of the A220 aircraft, where its main final assembly lines, pre-assembly line and main programme, engineering and customer services offices are located in Mirabel, Quebec.

    To find out more about hydrogen and decarbonisation, visit airbus.com

    SOURCE Airbus