Air Canada outlines freighter network plans

Air Canada (AC, Montréal Trudeau) has outlined initial network plans for its forthcoming B767-300(ERBDSF)s, its first dedicated freighters due to deliver in autumn 2021. According to the carrier’s press release, the first aircraft will be based out of Toronto Pearson and operate predominantly to Latin America (Quito Int’l, México City Int’l, Lima Int’l, and Guadalajara) and Miami Int’l. In early 2022, as more B767-300(ERBDSF)s are delivered, the carrier will expand its cargo network with the addition of Halifax, Frankfurt Int’l, St. John’s, and Madrid Barajas. “These freighters will provide long-term stability and growth for our cargo customers, in particular, the freight forwarding community who require reliable air freight capacity year-round. They will allow us to continue building on the success of our cargo-only flights and are an important part of our future growth,” Vice-President (Cargo) Jason Berry said. Berry told ch-aviation that the first B767-300(ERBDSF) was scheduled for redelivery in September 2021 and will enter into service “shortly afterwards”. The Canadian carrier initially announced a plan to convert two of its retired B767-300(ER)s under a sale/lease-back transaction with Cargo Aircraft Management in January 2021. It subsequently added a further five Boeing aircraft to the plan. Air Canada expects the first two units to deliver by the end of 2021, with more to come in 2022. The ch-aviation fleets advanced module indicates that the first two aircraft, C-FPCA (msn 24306) and C-FTCA (msn 24307), are currently undergoing conversion with Israel Aerospace Industries at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport.