The first Boeing 767-300ER converted into a freighter by Air Canada (ADH2) conducted its first cargo flight from Toronto to Vancouver on December 9, 2021.

The aircraft was originally scheduled to fly between Toronto and Frankfurt for its maiden flight. However, it was instead used as part of Air Canada’s (ADH2) relief effort to British Columbia, which is currently affected by floods.

“Our first freighter is being deployed earlier than initially planned in order to provide additional cargo capacity needed into and out of Vancouver to meet ongoing demand as a result of the flooding that disrupted British Columbia’s transportation network,” said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo, at Air Canada (ADH2). “The freighter is planned to operate 12 trips between our Toronto and Vancouver cargo hubs. Our teams have also worked extremely hard over the last several days to get our freighter into service early to aid in the transport of goods to Vancouver.” 

In November 2021, Air Canada (ADH2) and its subsidiary, Air Canada Cargo, had already increased cargo capacity by 586 tonnes into Vancouver from Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary to carry more essential goods to and from the distressed region.

In 2022, the first 767-300 to be converted to 100% cargo will be operated primarily from Toronto to serve Frankfurt, as well as Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara. Delivery of the second converted aircraft is expected in the first half of 2022.

Between seven and nine of the Canadian airline’s Boeing 767-300ERs are expected to be converted to cargo aircraft by Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI based in Tel Aviv.