Air Canada orders two new Boeing 767-300F

Air Canada has purchased two new Boeing 767-300F freighters that are due to be delivered this year.

The two factory-built freighters will be in addition to the eight Boeing 767-300s that are being converted for Air Canada Cargo operations. Earlier this month, Air Canada Cargo added its second B767-300ER freighter conversion.

Air Canada Cargo’ first quarter 2022 revenue is up 42% to $398m from the first quarter of 2021.

Jason Berry, vice president, Cargo, at Air Canada, said: “Since their entry into service, our Boeing 767-300BDSF freighters have proven their value to Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo. Today’s announcement is a further signal of our long-term commitment to freighters as we continue to adapt and grow at Air Canada Cargo.

“These additional factory-built 767-300F aircraft will allow Air Canada Cargo to speed up the expansion of its freighter fleet, helping provide reliable, dedicated service to key cargo routes around the world, further bolstering the capacity provided by Air Canada’s mainline fleet.”

The Boeing 767-300 freighters allow Air Canada Cargo to offer five different main deck configurations, increasing the overall cargo capacity of each aircraft to nearly 58 tonnes or 438 cu m, with approximately 75% of this capacity on the main deck.

The addition of freighter aircraft to Air Canada’s fleet allows Air Canada Cargo to provide consistent capacity on key air cargo routes, which will facilitate the movement of goods globally.

Freighters also increase Air Canada Cargo’s capability to transport goods such as automotive and aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, perishables, as well as handling the growing demand for fast, reliable shipment of e-commerce goods.

Air Canada saw operating revenues of C$2.6bn for the first quarter of 2022, “about three-and-a-half times (the) first quarter 2021 operating revenues”.

Its operating capacity in the first quarter, measured by Available Seat Miles (ASMs) also increased about 3.4 times from the first quarter of 2021.

Rebecca Jeffrey www.aircargonews.net Air Canada Cargo