Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo today announced the initial launch routes for their Boeing 767-300ER converted freighters, scheduled to enter service this fall. The first freighters will link Toronto with Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara.
On Monday (June 14, 2021), Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo announced the launch routes for their first passenger-to-cargo converted Boeing 767-300ERs scheduled to enter service this fall. The first converted freighters are expected to arrive in October and will operate out of Toronto Pearson International Airport with service to Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara. As additional freighters enter service in early 2022, the schedule will include service to Halifax, St. John’s, Madrid and Frankfurt. Air Canada continues the process of fully converting several of their Boeing 767s into dedicated freighters to participate in growing global commercial cargo opportunities.
In Monday’s announcement, Air Canada’s Vice President - Cargo, Jason Berry, said,
“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. I am excited to have these aircraft enter service, a milestone for Air Canada Cargo that also opens up a world of opportunities for us and our customers.”
As part of the conversion process, all passenger seats are removed, and a large door is cut into the fuselage to facilitate the loading of palletized cargo. Additionally, the floor is reinforced to accommodate the additional weight. Air Canada Cargo expects two freighters to enter service in 2021, with two more to follow in 2022. The dedicated freighters will enhance Air Canada Cargo’s capabilities to transport goods such as automotive and aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, as well as growing e-commerce demand. Air Canada successfully concluded an agreement with pilots represented by the Air Canada Pilots Association in the fall of 2020, allowing the airline to competitively operate dedicated cargo aircraft.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline. The Canadian flag carrier is a founding member of the Star Alliance and the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. For the last two years Air Canada was also named Global Traveler’s ‘Best Airline in North America.’
Source: Air Canada