Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed what the federal government says is the largest order of Canadian-designed and produced commercial aircraft in history during an announcement Wednesday in Quebec.
Airbus and AirAsia have reached an agreement for the purchase of 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, all of which will be assembled at Airbus Canada’s facility in Mirabel.
The federal government says the agreement is expected to support thousands of jobs across Canada, including positions in engineering, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology.
“The agreement between Airbus and AirAsia is the largest order of Canadian aircraft in history,” Carney said in a statement.
“The 150 aircraft will be built by Canadian workers on Canadian factory floors. For thousands of engineers, electricians, steel welders, and IT specialists, it will mean high-paying and exciting work to build a remarkable aircraft that connects millions of people around the world to more opportunities, more destinations, or more time with friends and loved ones.”
The Mirabel facility employs more than 4,600 workers and serves as Airbus’s largest commercial aircraft manufacturing operation outside Europe.
The A220-300 aircraft was developed in Canada using what Airbus describes as a “clean-sheet” design, meaning the aircraft was built from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing model. The aircraft is designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and lower noise levels through the use of lightweight materials and advanced propulsion systems.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the agreement will help strengthen the aerospace sector in Quebec and across the country.
“Canada is a world leader in aviation and aerospace technologies,” Joly said.
“This agreement between Airbus and AirAsia will further strengthen the aerospace industry in Québec and across Canada and support thousands of Canadian jobs in aerospace manufacturing for years to come. We are delivering on our government’s plan to build a strong and resilient Canadian economy.”
According to the federal government, Airbus supports more than 27,000 Canadian jobs through its aerospace supply chain and works with more than 850 suppliers across the country.
The aerospace industry contributed $34.2 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2024 and supported approximately 225,000 jobs nationwide, according to government figures.
