Montreal, May 22, 2024 – In light of the 2024 International Aerospace Innovation Forum, Avianor is proud to announce a milestone moment between two industry leaders. An affiliate of DRAKKAR and industry leader with more than 25 years of aerospace experience in commercial and military aircraft maintenance and interior solutions, Avianor and Air Canada, a premier global airline, have officially signed a substantial contract that marks a significant advancement in aerospace maintenance. This agreement formalizes the longstanding partnership between the two parties since the initial Letter of Intent was signed in January of 2020, ensuring Air Canada's fleet of A220 aircraft receives top-tier Quebec-based maintenance.

The newly signed, long-term agreement builds upon a solid foundation of trust and collaboration between Avianor and Air Canada. Both parties have been actively engaged in the maintenance of the A220 since it entered Air Canada’s fleet.

Additionally, the construction of Avianor's A220 Center of Excellence, located in Mirabel, Quebec, is projected to be completed by Fall 2024. This facility, a pivotal element to the maintenance agreement, will be instrumental in maintaining the growing needs of Air Canada’s expanding fleet, ensuring the highest standards of service and support.

“This contract reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams who have worked hand-in-hand with Air Canada since our initial agreement in 2020. With the impending completion of the A220 Center of Excellence, we are sure to further strengthen our long-term partnership in a facility specifically tailored for these aircraft,” declares Hugo Brouillard, Chief Operating Officer and President of Affiliates of DRAKKAR, including Avianor.

Josh Vanderveen, Vice President of Maintenance at Air Canada, also comments, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Avianor under this newly solidified agreement. We are proud to be involved in building a Quebec-based, global center of maintenance expertise for the A220.”

“The partnership between Avianor and Air Canada is yet another sign that Canada continues to be a global hub for the aerospace industry. By working together these two Quebec-based industry leaders are further strengthening our world class aerospace ecosystem and ensuring the highest standards of service and support”, adds Mr. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.

“The A220 Center of Excellence will allow Quebec to stand out once again in the aerospace and aviation sector. In addition to having developed the aircraft here in Quebec, we are ensuring that we maintain expertise in a leading-edge field," says Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy.

Mélanie Lussier, President and General Manager of Aéro Montréal, concludes, “This agreement is a true reflection of how collaboration and innovation drive the aerospace industry forward in Quebec. It reinforces the importance of synergy between companies to encourage economic growth as well as solidifies Montréal-Mirabel's positioning as an essential international hub for aerospace activities.”