Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, debuted last week its first Boeing 767-300ERF freighter conversion. The aircraft, with registration C-FPCA, began service on December 9 – ahead of schedule – operating its first flight between Toronto and Vancouver.
While originally scheduled to make its first flight to Frankfurt, Jason Berry, Vice President of Air Canada Cargo, said the division’s first aircraft «was deployed ahead of schedule in order to provide cargo capacity to and from Vancouver in order to help accommodate the current demand caused by flooding in the area, which disrupted British Columbia’s transportation network». In advance of this first operation, the airline had increased cargo capacity to Vancouver by 586 tons to allow for the transportation of critical supplies to the region. Given the immediate requirement for entry into service, the aircraft is currently operating without its final livery, pending future application.
Our first converted @Boeing 767-300ER freighter, Fin 637, made its first commercial flight today from @TorontoPearson to @YVRAirport as we continue to support the Canadian supply chain. Watch a video of our cargo crews training below & learn more: https://t.co/jqDQF2XIRm pic.twitter.com/q5AX1Geq0Q
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) December 9, 2021
The 767-300ERFs will feature five different main deck configurations, allowing the transport of almost 58 tons or 438 cubic meters of cargo, with approximately 75% of this capacity on the main deck. The first aircraft is scheduled to operate in 2021, in addition to Vancouver, between Toronto and Frankfurt. In 2022, the planned delivery date of the second unit – out of seven ordered – the airline will begin service to Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, primarily from Toronto.
The addition of these aircraft will allow Air Canada Cargo to increase capacity on the cargo routes currently in greatest demand. The aircraft will be used to carry, among others, automotive parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, perishables, aerospace supplies and e-commerce goods.
