Airbus announces a major aircraft order from AirAsia for 150 A220 airliners, with the planes to be manufactured in Canada. Multiple outlets report the order involves the A220-300 variant and highlight that Airbus Canada will supply the jets, which are produced at Airbus’s facilities in Mirabel, north of Montreal. Canadian coverage frames the deal as a significant boost for the country’s commercial aircraft manufacturing base, particularly for Quebec. The Financial Times describes it as Canada’s biggest aircraft deal, while other reports call it the largest single firm order for that narrow-body aircraft type and the largest commercial aircraft order in Canada’s history.
Several sources cite the potential value of the transaction. Estimates vary by outlet, but at least one report puts the deal at about $6.8 billion, based on per-aircraft pricing. Another source characterizes it as a $19 billion order, reflecting different valuation methods or totals. AirAsia also indicates interest in expanding the order if Airbus offered a larger version of the A220.
The announcement is presented as part of broader trade and supply diversification, with Canadian political figures referencing reduced reliance on U.S.-focused trade.
