Airbus Canada Wins Historic AirAsia A220 Order
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Quebec’s aerospace industry has received a major economic boost after Malaysia’s AirAsia placed a firm order for 150 Canadian-made Airbus A220-300 aircraft, the largest single firm order in the history of the A220 program.
Airbus announced the agreement at its Mirabel facility north of Montreal, saying the deal pushes the A220 program beyond 1,000 firm orders worldwide. The ceremony was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Quebec Premier Christine Frechette, and senior officials from Airbus and AirAsia.
The order is especially important for Canada and Quebec because A220 aircraft for non-U.S. customers are produced in Mirabel. Reuters reported that the program, originally developed by Bombardier, is now owned by Airbus and produced at facilities in Mirabel, Quebec, and Mobile, Alabama, with Quebec holding a minority stake in the program.
According to Global News, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said the first A220-300 from the order is expected to roll off the production line in the first quarter of 2028. That means the impact of the deal could extend for years across production, supply chains, and specialized aerospace jobs in Quebec.
The agreement comes as airlines around the world face rising fuel costs and pressure to modernize their fleets. The Associated Press reported that the order is valued at about $19 billion at list prices, with AirAsia betting on the A220’s fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and ability to serve smaller regional markets with up to 160 seats.
The deal could also grow further. Reuters reported that AirAsia secured options for 150 additional aircraft from a potential larger version of the A220 family if Airbus decides to develop it, which could eventually bring the broader commitment to as many as 300 aircraft.
For Canada, the order sends a clear economic signal: Quebec remains a major global hub for aerospace manufacturing, even as aircraft makers face fierce competition and supply-chain pressure. It also gives the A220, a program that began as a Canadian Bombardier aircraft, a stronger global position under Airbus.
The order is a strong positive business story for Canada, linking advanced manufacturing, exports, jobs, and Quebec’s role as one of North America’s most important aerospace centres.
