Canada-Poland aerospace partnership soars with LOT Polish Airlines’ Airbus A220 acquisition

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

June 16, 2025 - Paris, France - Global Affairs Canada

Global trade is uncertain and the geopolitical landscape is shifting, but Canada is forging ahead to strengthen ties with trusted partners—and strengthening the strategic industries that will anchor its economic security for decades to come.

Aerospace is one of Canada’s most innovative and export-driven industries, and Canada is home to a world-class aerospace ecosystem.

Today, at the Paris Air Show, Canada welcomed LOT Polish Airlines’ announcement of its purchase of 40 Airbus A220 aircraft—made in Mirabel, Quebec—with purchase rights for another 44 aircraft. This represents another airline in a long list of airlines adding the A220 to its fleets, a clear signal of international confidence in Canadian innovation and industrial strength. It also represents a significant boost to Canada’s aerospace sector and its workers.

This announcement is a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring Canada-Poland and Canada-EU partnership, which are rooted in strong commercial ties and people-to-people connections.

The A220 is a made-in-Canada success story: it was designed and developed here, assembled in Mirabel and supported by Canadian supply chains. LOT’s selection of the A220 is more than a commercial transaction; it is a reflection of over 70 years of deep, mutually beneficial aerospace cooperation between Canada and Poland. This deal highlights Canada’s commitment to closer ties with Europe and to transatlantic collaboration. The order will maintain and generate thousands of high-paying jobs across the country and reinforce global recognition for a Canadian aircraft that’s changing the game. 

This agreement also underscores the strength of Canada’s industrial ties with France, home to Airbus’s headquarters, and builds on the recent engagement of the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, with European leaders during his visit to Paris on June 4.

The deal reflects Canada’s strategic priorities with respect to diversifying the country’s trade relationships with reliable and trusted partners, strengthening its economic security and building resilient supply chains.

This is more than an aircraft sale—it is a testament to Canadian innovation and capability and to the strategic value of building in Canada, with Canada.

Quotes

“LOT’s decision to acquire made-in-Canada Airbus A220 aircraft is a powerful signal of Canada’s role as a trusted trade partner for the European Union in the aerospace sector and a leader in innovation, collaboration and global competitiveness. Canada will continue to push for greater market diversification, including leveraging the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, that will benefit Canadian businesses and workers and contribute to our economic prosperity across the country.

- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade

“The sale of Canadian-built A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines is a win for Canada’s aerospace industry and for the workers who make it thrive. This is a testament to what we can accomplish when we build in Canada, with Canada—using world-class Canadian supply chains. Today’s announcement will create good, high-paying jobs in Quebec and across the country and help showcase Canadian innovation on the global stage.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Quick facts

  • Aerospace is one of Canada’s most innovative and export-driven industries, accounting for over 218,000 jobs across the country. 

  • The Airbus A220 program supports more than 4,500 high-quality Canadian jobs and showcases Canadian excellence in engineering, design and advanced manufacturing.

  • The Airbus A220 is among the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. Its new delivery centre in Mirabel, opened in June 2025, uses geothermal and aerothermal systems to reduce emissions—demonstrating Canadian leadership in sustainable aerospace manufacturing.

  • Canada and Poland share a rich history of cooperation in aviation. Today, 8 Canadian aerospace companies operate in Poland, employing over 7,000 people.

Associated links

Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X: @CanadaTrade
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Joanna Kanga
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
Joanna.Kanga@international.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

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