Airbus Canada has secured a significant agreement with AirAsia for the delivery of 150 Canadian-manufactured A220 jets, marking a substantial win for Quebec’s aviation sector. This deal represents the largest individual order for these narrow-body planes, which are produced in Mirabel, north of Montreal, in the history of the manufacturer.
The first A220-300 is scheduled to come off the production line in the first quarter of 2028, as confirmed by AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes. The commercial aircraft division head at Airbus, Lars Wagner, emphasized the pivotal role of Quebec as a global aviation hub. Following the majority acquisition of Bombardier’s CSeries program in 2018, Airbus rebranded it as the A220.
The agreement signifies a strengthening of ties between Canada and Southeast Asian nations, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. The collaborative vision shared between Carney and Fernandes highlights the commitment to economic growth and development amid ongoing challenges.
Despite facing production hurdles at its Montreal facility, Airbus aims to enhance output to 13 planes per month by early 2028. The assembly of all 150 AirAsia jets will take place at the Mirabel site, contributing to the employment of nearly 5,000 workers, with an additional 2,500 employees hired in the past four years.
The announcement of this deal was celebrated with symbolic gestures, including presenting AirAsia’s CEO with a Montreal Canadiens jersey and a model plane. The governments and workers in Quebec view this development positively, considering the economic benefits it brings to the region.
Amid uncertainties, the decision to purchase a substantial number of aircraft reflects AirAsia’s strategic outlook during current global crises. The A220-300, with a list price of $91.5 million US, accommodates 100 to 160 passengers on medium-haul flights. As of March 30, Airbus had delivered 501 A220s to various operators worldwide.