Replacement Plane to Retrieve Canadian PM in India Due to 36-year-old A310 “flying Taj Mahal” Aircraft

Unexpectedly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the G20 delegation are currently stranded in New Delhi, India, due to an unforeseen maintenance issue with their government Airbus. In response, a replacement aircraft and essential components have been dispatched to India to facilitate their return to Canada. The Royal Canadian Air Force has swiftly taken action to address the situation, underscoring their commitment to passenger safety and meticulous pre-flight procedures.

The aging government Airbus, a 36-year-old CC-150 Polaris, encountered a maintenance issue that necessitated the dispatch of a replacement aircraft. National Defence has reported that a specific part needs replacement, underscoring the RCAF’s commitment to passenger safety and the effectiveness of their flight protocols.

The replacement plane, originally scheduled to transit through Rome on its way to India, has been rerouted to London, England. The earliest departure time from the UK is expected to be early Tuesday morning London time, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

It is noteworthy that the decision to convert one of the five CC-150 aircraft into a VIP transport designated for the Prime Minister of Canada was made during Brian Mulroney’s tenure in office, and it sparked political controversy. The $56 million allocated for these upgrades faced criticism as an unnecessary extravagance, especially during a period of fiscal challenges in the government. At the time, then-Leader of the Opposition, Jean Chrétien, went so far as to dub the aircraft a “flying Taj Mahal.” Interestingly, Chrétien later assumed the role of Prime Minister and attempted unsuccessfully to sell the aircraft. During his 11-year tenure in office, he adamantly refused to make use of the CC-150. Subsequently, the aircraft underwent modifications, including the downsizing of the VIP cabin to a more modest configuration and the implementation of limited communication capabilities.

A Canadian technician is en route to India via commercial flight with the required replacement part. While the part is not fundamental for flying the plane, it is essential to meet regulations. If the initial aircraft can be repaired before the replacement arrives, it will be used to bring Prime Minister Trudeau and the delegation back home. In the event that neither aircraft can make the journey, a Challenger jet currently in London stands ready to collect the Prime Minister.

This maintenance issue is not the first involving the aging CC-150 Polaris during Prime Minister Trudeau’s tenure. Past incidents have caused delays and inconveniences, highlighting the need for a new fleet of planes.

The Airbus CC-150 Polaris is the designation for the civilian Airbus A310-300s which have been converted into multi-purpose, long-range jet aircraft for passenger, freight or medical transport and mid-air refueling for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Canadian government has purchased nine planes, a combination of new and used Airbus A330s, to replace the existing fleet. However, the retrofit to include the prime minister’s VIP quarters may take up to two years or more.

The new fleet of planes, which will also serve as transport for the Governor General, is set to go into service in the coming fall. Canadian crews have been undergoing training in the United Kingdom to operate these aircraft effectively.

Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Trudeau continues to work from his hotel in New Delhi. The delay’s impact on his attendance at the Liberal caucus retreat remains uncertain.

This aircraft issue comes amidst a tense G20 summit where Western nations struggled to secure a strong statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to establish concrete climate change targets. Additionally, the interactions between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been marked by differences in their respective government summaries of their meeting, specifically regarding India’s concerns about the Sikh separatist movement in Canada.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, cbc.ca