MIRABEL, QC, May 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Airbus Canada) is pleased to announce that it has reached a labour agreement with the 1,300 unionized employees at its Mirabel site, in Quebec. After several months of negotiations, the employees who assemble the A220 aircraft, and who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), ratified the tentative agreement by around 77%, including the adjustments recommended by the conciliator appointed by the Ministry of Labour.

This new employment contract positions Airbus as the leading employer of choice in the Quebec aerospace industry. The increased flexibility achieved through this agreement will facilitate a better balance between shifts and the transfer of knowledge between more experienced employees and those who have joined the company recently. This condition is essential as the  A220 production rate is ramping up.  It will enable increased efficiency in order to produce a higher number of A220s and reach the break-even point for the aircraft programme in 2026.

The new five-year collective agreement includes :

• wage increases of 23% (8%, 3% and 4% in subsequent years)  as well as a retroactive part;
• a better access to group insurance, with extended coverage;
• improved vacation policy and pension plan;
• a significant increase in evening premiums and the addition of a new exceptional evening and night premium to foster knowledge transfer.

“With this new agreement, Airbus Canada and its Mirabel employees are putting in place the winning conditions to ensure the long-term success of the A220, whose production rate is set to almost double over the next two years. We are delighted to have ratified this new agreement, so that we can continue working with our employees, whose expertise and commitment make it possible to manufacture one of the world’s best aircraft, here in Quebec,” said Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada.

The Mirabel-based workers who assemble the A220, the latest single-aisle aircraft in its category, are essential to the aircraft’s success. The agreement reflects the mutual commitment of both parties to the long-term success of the A220, the Mirabel site and Airbus’ growing presence in Quebec.

About the A220 Family

A member of the Airbus family for over five years, the A220, designed and assembled in Quebec and acclaimed for its exceptional performance and versatility, has become a preferred choice for airlines. The A220 cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by 25% compared with previous-generation aircraft. With more than 325 A220s delivered to 20 airlines operating on five continents, the A220 is the optimum aircraft for offering operational flexibility on both regional and long-haul routes. To date, more than 100 million passengers have flown on the A220, and over thirty airlines have ordered more than 900 of the aircraft. A study by PwC has estimated the economic impact of the A220 in Canada at over $40 billion over 20 years. Some 3,500 people work at the A220 Mirabel site.

About Airbus in Canada

In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at the ten sites and offices of Airbus and its subsidiaries, including over 4,000 in Quebec. The main production sites are the A220 commercial aircraft programme headquarters and Airbus Atlantic Canada, both in Mirabel, Quebec, Airbus Helicopters Canada in Fort Erie, Ontario, and NAVBLUE in Waterloo, Ontario. Other Airbus sites and subsidiaries are located in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Airbus has been present in Canada for 40 years and contributes to the creation of some 23,000 indirect jobs, and generates sales annually of around C$2 billion for some 700 Canadian companies.

(Laval, Sunday, April 21, 2024) – Members of Airbus Canada, IAMAW Local Lodge 712, rejected the proposed tentative agreement by a margin of 68,15%. Nearly 75 % of the 1,300 workers were present at the meeting.

We thought we’d met our members’ expectations with this tentative agreement, but that’s not the case,” explains Éric Rancourt, union spokesperson at the bargaining table and IAMAW Canada representative for Quebec. We’ll be in touch with the employer shortly to discuss the next steps.”

“Christian Bertrand, President of Local Lodge 712, explains: “We take good note of the vote results and the discussions we had with members today.

The tentative agreement proposed:

A 5-year contract (December 2, 2023 to December1, 2028), including salary increases of 8%, 3%, 3%, 4% and 4% per year, retroactive to December 2, 2023.

Improvements to the group insurance plan. For example, the length of service required to qualify for full coverage has been reduced from 36 to 6 months.

The deductible for drug insurance has been capped at $300 per year, per insured person, from $5 per prescription.

An increase in the lump sum paid to current and future pension plan beneficiaries.

An increase in deferred compensation from $1.35 to $1.85/hour worked. Retroactive to December1, 2021.

An increase in evening premium to $1.75/hour. Retroactive to December 2, 2023.

A framework letter on flexibility management during ramp-up.

An exceptional bonus for evening and night shifts (knowledge transfer) adding $2.00/hour to existing bonuses during the ramp-up period.

Improved access to vacation and addition of a 7th week after 30 years’ service.

The main points still in dispute in these negotiations are:

Wage increases.

Job security and outsourcing.

Work schedules.

General information on the negotiations

Start of negotiations: November 6, 2023

Date of last meeting between the parties: April 12, 2024

Total number of meetings to date: 34

This is the third offer to be presented in this negotiation. The first offer, presented on March 17, was rejected by 99. 6% of the members present (83% participation rate). The latter subsequently voted in favor of a strike mandate by 98.6%. The offer presented on April 7 was rejected by 99.9%.

This is the first collective agreement officially negotiated by Airbus since it acquired the program in 2018.

The contract expired on December 1, 2023.

Number of unionized employees at Airbus Canada: nearly 1,300.

Responsible for component pre-assembly and final assembly of Airbus A220 single-aisle aircraft.

Reuters | Fri, April 12, 2024

MONTREAL, April 12 (Reuters) – The union representing Canadian Airbus A220 workers said on Friday it reached an agreement in principle with the planemaker, with members to vote on the proposed deal on April 21.

The estimated 1,300 Montreal-area assembly workers have rejected two previous offers from Airbus, which wants to ramp up production of the money-losing single-aisle jet.

Airbus’ Canadian division said in a statement that it views positively that a negotiated tentative agreement was reached with union representatives.

“We are committed to reaching an agreement on the terms of a new collective agreement that will be positive and fair for both parties, while ensuring the long-term success of the A220,” it said.

Investment in M1 Composites Builds on Quebec’s Aerospace Excellence while sustaining hundreds of Canadian jobs and opening new opportunities to the North American aerospace market.

LAVAL, QC, April 9, 2024 /CNW/ – M1 Composites Technology Inc, a leading Quebec-based aerostructure engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment/repair company has been selected by Satair, an Airbus Services company, as the preferred North American repair station for Airbus A220 aircraft flight controls and structural parts. This contract marks a significant milestone in M1’s history and will allow the M1 Team the opportunity to support all A220 customers across North America, including some of the world’s largest airlines.

Based in Laval, M1 Composites competed against several large and well-established engineering & repair companies for this contract, which is expected to generate new jobs for the 100-person company. Satair, the distributor and interface for Airbus proprietary parts and repairs, and M1 will provide A220 operators with a comprehensive one-stop-shop aerostructure repair solution, ensuring enhanced value and efficiency for both companies.

“Our company has punched above our weight on aerostructure engineering and repairs, and this contract is validation that M1’s employees are best in class,” said Lorenzo Marandola, President & CEO of M1 Composites. “We are ready to rise to the occasion in servicing A220 customers throughout North America and strengthening Quebec’s unmatched aerospace industry in the process. We look forward to collaborating with Satair and Airbus to meet the evolving needs of its A220 customers and ensure their continued success.”

Since its first delivery to a North American operator in October 2018, the A220 aircraft has gained rapid adoption among airlines. As the North American preferred repair station, M1 Composites will ensure these operators have access to reliable and efficient aerostructure maintenance solutions. M1 is strategically situated to service current and future A220 operators in Canada and the United States, as well as continuing to service the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Lines in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and Mobile, Alabama, U.S. Given the integrated aerospace supply chain that exists between both Canada and the U.S., M1 Composites is well-positioned to aid operators in the region with repair solutions on aero structure.

About M1 Composites:

M1 Composites Technology provides a wide range of comprehensive aerospace services including engineering, manufacturing, and repair of composite and sheet metal aerostructure components. M1 is a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO), and Design Approval Organization (DAO) with numerous certifications such as ISO9001, AS9100, AS9110, and NADCAP. Our 82,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility houses cutting-edge equipment, including an in-house radome transmissivity test facility and a large autoclave for repairing and curing composite parts. m1composites.com

MONTRÉAL, June 21, 2023 /CNW/ – As part of the International Paris Air Show, the festivities marking the fifth anniversary of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Airbus Canada) and the addition of the A220 to the wide Airbus family officially take off. Since its establishment in Quebec on July 1st, 2018, Airbus has built the strongest presence outside Europe, with more than 4,000 employees, generating approximately 23,000 indirect jobs in Canada. In five years, Airbus has contributed to major investments in the country, totalling nearly C$1.8 billion. Airbus is experiencing remarkable growth in its Canadian activities in various sectors, including commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence and space.

“The integration of the A220 programme in 2018 marked a major milestone for Airbus. Over the past years, our A220s have connected more than 90 million people with their loved ones – thanks to our Quebec-designed and assembled aircraft. The A220 now operates on over 1,100 routes to more than 375 destinations. To date, the more than 260 A220s in service have flown more than a billion kilometres, and that’s just the beginning,” says Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada. “At Airbus, our vision is to transform the future of the aerospace industry by pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. We are committed to creating leading-edge aerospace solutions that meet our customers’ needs, while reducing our environmental footprint. Together, with our talented team and our Canadian and global partners, we are building a smarter, low-carbon, more connected future.”

A strong contribution to the Canadian economy
Airbus’ economic impact in Canada is also reflected in the value of its sourcing from over 700 local companies. Each A220 is made up of parts sourced from around 60 Canadian suppliers, including 40 in Quebec. This contribution supports the strength of the aerospace industry’s supply chain. In five years, some C$10 billion has been spent with local suppliers.

Airbus Canada has created more than 1,000 direct jobs in Quebec over the past five years. After recruiting more than 700 new people at its facilities in Canada in 2022, Airbus has announced the need to fill 800 positions across the country in 2023.

Since July 1^st, 2018, Airbus has delivered around 185 aircraft from Mirabel, over 80% of which have been exported outside Canada, making a significant contribution to Canadian exports. When full production capacity is reached around the middle of the decade, it is estimated that more than 100 aircraft per year will be exported, increasing Airbus’ already significant contribution to Canada’s balance sheet.

The A220, at the heart of the Airbus aircraft family
The integration of the A220 programme into the Airbus family has enabled the company to offer the most comprehensive range of commercial aircraft on the market. The A220, designed and assembled in Quebec, acclaimed for its exceptional performance and versatility, has become a preferred choice for airlines. The A220 cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by 25% compared with previous-generation aircraft, and NOx emissions by 50% compared with industry standards, making it an ideal replacement for older, more fuel-consuming fleets. To date, the teams have delivered 265 aircraft to more than 16 operators, and have accumulated nearly 800 orders for this program from prestigious customers all over the world.

Concrete commitments for a safer and more united world
Airbus is strongly committed to the technologies needed to decarbonize our industry, and has invested several million Canadian dollars in various initiatives. Airbus supports SAF+ Consortium, an innovative company launched in Montreal bringing together major players in the Canadian aerospace industry. This consortium aims at providing Canadians with a sustainable commercial fuel solution for low-carbon flights. In addition, Airbus Canada is a driving force together with local companies in order to study the feasibility of creating a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production site in Quebec, and to carry out A220 flights with 100% sustainable aviation fuel. Airbus is also a founding member of C-SAF, which seeks to facilitate and accelerate the commercial deployment of sustainable aviation fuels in Canada.

Airbus Canada: still a long way to go
By the middle of the decade, the organization plans to ramp up the A220 production rate to 14 aircraft per month. The addition of a 125,000 sq. ft. pre-assembly area in Mirabel last year, and the inauguration of a new A220 assembly line in Mobile, Alabama, in 2020, support this acceleration of production rates. As we are celebrating our fifth anniversary, we are pleased with our achievements to date and are looking forward to the future. The company will continue to invest in research and development, collaborate with local partners and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Canadian aerospace industry. This includes the preparation of the next generation, where hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated in scholarships to institutions, and a mentoring programme initiated by the Airbus Foundation.

For more information on Airbus in Canada, visit our website here.

Published on – March 30th, 2023 – Air France – Fleet

Air France is continuing to renew its fleet by inte new generation aircraft, which are more economical and environmentally friendly.

By 2030, these aircraft will account for 70% of the Air France fleet – compared with 7% at present – thanks to an ambitious investment plan of one billion euros per year.

The airline reached a symbolic milestone today by welcoming its 20th Airbus A220-300, the latest flagship of its medium-haul fleet.

The aircraft, registration F-HZUU, rolled off the Airbus assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, and is on its way to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, where it will operate on the airline’s short- and medium-haul network.

It will make its first commercial flight on 1 April to Geneva (Switzerland).

The aircraft’s front fuselage bears the name “Grasse”, paying tribute to the pretty town in the Alpes-Maritimes region, famous all over the world for its perfume industry.

Since 2019, Air France has revived its tradition of naming its aircraft after French cities. This tradition celebrates the rich cultural and historical heritage of France’s regions, and promotes their reputation throughout the world.

Before Grasse, Air France named its previous Airbus A220s after Le Bourget, Collioure, Belle-Ile en Mer, Senlis and Arcachon.

By the end of 2025, 60 A220-300s will join the Air France medium-haul fleet. With up to 15 deliveries expected each year, this is the fastest fleet entry in the history of Air France.

Unparalleled economic and environmental performance

The most innovative and efficient single-aisle aircraft in its class, the Airbus A220-300 is perfectly suited to Air France’s short and medium-haul network. It provides a cost reduction per seat of up to 10% compared to the Airbus A318 and A319 and stands out for its energy efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel than the aircraft it replaces and its CO2 emissions are also reduced by 20%.  Its noise footprint is also 34% lower.

Fleet renewal is one of the major levers of Air France’s decarbonisation trajectory, known as Air France ACT. Air France aims to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre by 30% by 2030, compared with 2019, excluding any offsetting measures. To reach these targets, Air France is doing all it can in terms of fleet renewal, the use of sustainable aviation fuel, eco-piloting and intermodality.

The highest level of in-flight comfort

The Air France Airbus A220-300 has 148 seats, in a 2-3 seat configuration (5 seats across) offering 80% of customers a window or aisle seat. The seat is the widest on the market for a single-aisle aircraft. It reclines and has an adjustable headrest, leather upholstery and an ergonomic seat cushion for enhanced comfort. A wide solid tray table, cup holder, a seat pocket, individual USB A and C ports and tablet or smartphone holder integrated into the backrest complete the package.

The cabin, the most spacious and brightest in its category, is decorated in the Air France signature colours – shades of blue, a strong presence of white providing light and contrast, and a hint of red symbolize the airline’s excellence and know-how. The central aisle is particularly wide, allowing customers to move about at ease. The carpet revisits the traditional ornamental herringbone pattern, symbolizing the emblematic Haussmann-inspired world of Parisian apartments. Large panoramic windows provide natural light for the duration of the trip. Finally, the spacious baggage racks are easy to access.