New jets for official travel won't have a private cabin for the PM
CBC
Prime ministerial travel is going to become slightly less exclusive after two new jets join the Royal Canadian Air Force transport fleet this summer.
Last year, the Air Force bought two used Airbus A-330s from Kuwait Airways.
The widebody jets will replace the RCAF's 1980s-era Airbus A-310s, which are used for the prime minister's trips abroad and for transporting military personnel.
The A-310s are becoming more difficult to maintain as they get older; the original Airbus A-310 fleet was purchased by the Mulroney government in the early 1990s.
The A-330s are larger than the A-310s and have a much longer range.
To get the planes into service as soon as possible, the federal government says it is keeping the aircraft's seating the way the Kuwaitis ordered it "for an interim period"— which leaves no room for the prime minister's private cabin.
When CBC News asked about the aircraft's interior, the Department of National Defence (DND) cited a post on the department's LinkedIn account:
"These first two aircraft, originally manufactured in 2015, will retain their commercial cabin configuration for an interim period to perform cargo, troop and passenger airlift operations."
The new A-330 for official travel will include some features not available on the A-310.
It will have an accessible washroom — welcome news for those with mobility issues and passengers who have to change into business attire or protective gear before landing. Journalists who travel with the prime minister will be relieved to find individual power outlets and USB connections at their seats for the first time ever.
The Airbus A-330 has been used in this country by Air Canada and Air Transat since 1999. The aircraft's interior will look very familiar to Canadians who fly business class.
Kuwait Airways operated the jets with 17 first class, 30 business class and 165 economy seats. Canadian airlines use a much denser seating arrangement.
Earlier this month, DND officials confirmed that one of the first two aircraft to arrive would receive the same red, white and blue paint scheme used for the prime minister's current ride — an Airbus A-310 known as Airbus 01.
Airbus 01 was built originally for Wardair; after a merger with Canadian Airlines, it was declared surplus and sold.
The government of Saskatchewan has announced plans to reduce the length of non-resident game bird hunting licences to combat illegal guiding.
An 87-year-old Alberta man is fighting extradition to the United Kingdom to stand trial for historical allegations of physical and sexual assault involving minors.
Eight casinos across southwest B.C. have been sold to First Nations in the last two years, with the province's gambling scene set to be reshaped as a result.
Hamilton hosts the Junos Sunday, and the musical awards show is bringing tourists, musicians, concerts and a ton of themed events to the city this week.
The multi-million-dollar deal at the heart of a high-profile fight between the Canadian government and one of the world’s biggest carmakers contains multiple clauses about the company’s footprint in Ontario, according to a copy obtained by CBC Windsor.
In recent months, Calgary police have carried out three day-long safety blitzes, parading out dozens of officers to flood an area with their increased presence — at least, temporarily.
A national organization is seeking people with experience in Canada's forestry sector as they put together a working group that will examine ways to improve forest recovery following wildfires.
Ella Heyder is bracing for a breakup, even though she already moved out decades ago.
Shawne Hopkins never saw it coming.
Politicians return to Queen’s Park Monday for a shortened spring session, as Premier Doug Ford prepares to unveil his eight budget amid heightened global economic uncertainty.
Despite a recent announcement that a water supply pipeline will be build in Oneida Nation of the Thames, some members of the community say that's no excuse for taking water for granted.
As scandal has swirled around former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, questions and curiosity have also focused on his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Friday may have been the first day of spring, but winter storms are not over yet for Newfoundland.