Landmark Announcement at Mirabel Facility
Prime Minister Mark Carney stood alongside Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, and Airbus executives at the Airbus Canada final assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, on May 6, 2026, to celebrate what has been described as the largest single commercial aircraft order in Canadian history. The agreement sees Malaysia's low-cost carrier AirAsia committing to purchase 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, all to be assembled at the Mirabel facility north of Montreal. Valued at a staggering list price of approximately $19 billion USD—though actual costs are typically discounted significantly for bulk orders—this deal underscores Canada's pivotal role in the global aerospace sector and signals a bold step in diversifying trade partnerships beyond traditional North American markets.
The ceremony highlighted the collaborative spirit between governments, industry leaders, and international partners. Carney presented Fernandes with a scale model of the A220 in AirAsia livery, symbolizing the trust placed in Canadian manufacturing prowess. This event comes amid global economic uncertainties, including volatile fuel prices and geopolitical tensions, yet it represents optimism and strategic investment in efficient aviation technologies.
Details of the Airbus-AirAsia Agreement
The firm order encompasses 150 A220-300 narrowbody jets, with deliveries slated to commence in the first quarter of 2028. AirAsia also holds purchase options for an additional 150 A220-500 aircraft, a stretched variant yet to enter full production. This makes AirAsia the launch customer for a new high-density 160-seat cabin configuration on the A220-300, achieved by adding extra overwing exits, enhancing operational efficiency for high-frequency short-haul routes.
Assembled entirely at Mirabel for non-U.S. customers, these aircraft will integrate seamlessly into AirAsia's all-Airbus fleet of around 250 planes. The deal builds on longstanding ties, as Airbus and AirAsia have partnered for over two decades, with the A220 poised to support the airline's expansion across Southeast Asia, ASEAN regions, and into Central Asia. Larger aircraft in the fleet can then be redeployed for longer-haul flights, optimizing network profitability.
The A220-300: Engineering Marvel from Canada
The Airbus A220-300, originally developed as Bombardier's C Series before Airbus acquired the program in 2018, represents a clean-sheet design crafted by Canadian engineers. Capable of carrying 100 to 160 passengers over distances up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 kilometers), it stands out for its class-leading fuel efficiency—25 percent lower consumption than previous-generation competitors—thanks to advanced Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, lightweight composite materials, and optimized aerodynamics.
Emissions are reduced by up to 25 percent per seat compared to older jets, with a quieter cabin and smaller noise footprint at takeoff and landing. The aircraft is already certified for up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends, aligning with global decarbonization goals, and Airbus targets 100 percent SAF compatibility by 2030. As of March 2026, over 500 A220s have been delivered to 25 operators worldwide, proving its reliability and market appeal.
Economic Boost for Quebec and Canada
This order injects vitality into Quebec's aerospace hub, where Mirabel serves as Airbus's most comprehensive commercial aircraft site outside Europe. The facility employs over 4,600 highly skilled workers directly, with the broader Canadian supply chain supporting more than 27,000 jobs across 850 suppliers. In 2024 alone, the Canadian aerospace industry contributed $34.2 billion to GDP and sustained 225,000 positions nationwide.
Quebec's government, holding a 25 percent stake in the A220 program, has invested heavily despite past write-downs on initial funding. The deal promises sustained high-value contracts worth billions to Canadian firms, from welders and machinists to engineers and IT specialists. Union leader Éric Rancourt of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers hailed it as a showcase for international economic injection and job security.
Job Creation and Supply Chain Ripple Effects
- Direct employment at Mirabel: Over 4,600 workers, with 2,500 added in the last four years.
- Supply chain: $2 billion in annual contracts to Canadian companies, spanning Quebec to Atlantic Canada.
- Skilled trades surge: Demand for electricians, steel welders, avionics technicians, and software developers.
- Long-term stability: Orders secure production ramps, targeting 12-13 aircraft per month by 2028.
Since 2016, Airbus's Canadian workforce has doubled alongside rising orders, fostering apprenticeships and STEM training programs. This influx supports families and communities, particularly in aerospace-dependent regions like Montreal's North Shore.
Photo by Mark Stuckey on Unsplash
Prime Minister Carney's Trade Diversification Vision
Mark Carney framed the agreement as emblematic of Canada's strategy to fortify economic resilience. "The 150 aircraft will be built by Canadian workers on Canadian factory floors," he stated, emphasizing high-paying jobs that connect global travelers. Carney highlighted recent diplomatic efforts, including his October 2025 visit to Kuala Lumpur, where Canada-Malaysia trade grew nearly 20 percent. Foreign direct investment hit $96.8 billion in 2025, the highest in two decades, with the Indo-Pacific now Canada's second-largest trading partner at over $260 billion in merchandise trade.
This deal advances Carney's $1 trillion investment plan over five years, including 20 new economic partnerships. It counters over-reliance on U.S. markets amid trade tensions, pivoting toward dynamic Asian economies. Read the full Prime Minister's Office release.
AirAsia's Aggressive Growth Strategy
Tony Fernandes, ever the bold entrepreneur, declared: "We have built AirAsia by making bold decisions at the right moment, not the easiest moment." Despite crises like fuel surges and regional conflicts, AirAsia eyes fleet renewal to capture post-pandemic demand. The A220's low operating costs and range open new thin routes, boosting load factors and margins. Plans include a Bahrain hub for Middle East-Europe links.
Fernandes urged Airbus to fast-track the A220-500, stating he'd double the order if approved. This aligns with AirAsia's restructuring into a true low-cost network carrier. Airbus press release details.
Production Challenges and Path Forward
Airbus grapples with ramping A220 output from seven jets monthly to break-even levels, hampered by supplier shortages in engines (Pratt & Whitney defects) and wings. CEO Lars Wagner credits government backing: "Government support is the backbone of the innovation we see in this hangar." Targets: 12 per month in 2026, 13 by early 2028.
Experts like McGill's John Gradek note profitability hinges on scale, estimating AirAsia secured steep discounts below the $91.5 million list price. Western's Geraint Harvey views it positively amid volatility.
Quebec's Aerospace Legacy and Government Role
Quebec Premier Fréchette toured the facility, underscoring provincial pride. Despite $1 billion write-offs on C Series investments, now revalued lower, the stake yields strategic gains. Mirabel anchors a cluster employing tens of thousands, with Airbus's 40-year presence spanning 10 sites.
This order revitalizes an industry hit by COVID delays, positioning Quebec as a green aviation leader.
Future Outlook: A220-500 and Beyond
AirAsia's options hinge on the A220-500 launch, potentially seating 185 with an 11-foot stretch. Airbus eyes a November decision, eyeing interest from Air France and Breeze. Deliveries could start 2032, extending Mirabel's runway.
Broader implications include SAF adoption, supply chain resilience, and Canada-Asia ties. As Carney noted, it's about "building big things again." CBC coverage and Globe and Mail analysis provide deeper insights.
Industry Reactions and Global Context
Stakeholders applaud the vote of confidence. Fernandes: "Crises are an opportunity to be aggressive." Wagner: "Optimal platform for AirAsia's strategy." Unions and academics foresee job booms and economic multipliers.
In a world of Boeing struggles and Airbus backlogs, this secures Canada's niche in efficient, sustainable flight.
