Canada Buys Nine A330 Tanker/Cargo Planes

The Canadian government has confirmed it is spending $3.6 billion (CAD) on nine militarized Airbus A330 aircraft to replace five first-generation A310 aircraft that will actually reach their life limits in the next few years. The new aircraft, designated the CC-330 Husky, will take over from the five CC-150s that were purchased used from a bankrupt Canadian airline in 1992 and are among the last flying examples of the original Airbus airliner. Over the years they've been modified to serve as troop and cargo transports and tankers, and one has been set up as an executive transport for high-ranking officials and media.

The new planes will serve those roles and consist of four new aircraft and five low-time airliners that are now being converted by Airbus. The new planes will be able to refuel all types of NATO and allied aircraft including the Royal Canadian Air Force's new fleet of 88 F-35 fighters. One will be fitted with an executive interior and will give the prime minister and others much more convenient access to meetings and other government business throughout the world.