Canada buys new jets to replace aging CC-144 fleet

The Canadian government has approved the purchase of six Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s remaining CC-144 Challenger fleet.

According to government statements, the contract is valued at $753 million and includes not only the aircraft but also pilot training and long-term maintenance support. The first of the new jets is expected to be delivered by summer 2027, with the aircraft entering service before the end of that year.

The Global 6500 jets, manufactured by Bombardier, will replace the last four Challenger aircraft currently operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Those Challenger jets have been in service since the 1980s and are used to transport senior officials, including the prime minister and the governor general, as well as for other government duties.

In a public statement announcing the decision, Canada’s Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr said the purchase reflects both industrial and defense priorities.

“Our government is supporting Canadian workers and industry while making generational investments in the Canadian Armed Forces,” Fuhr said. “Today, we announced a $753 million contract with Bombardier to acquire six Global 6500 aircraft to replace the existing Challenger CC-144 fleet.”

Fuhr added that the procurement highlights Canada’s domestic aerospace capabilities. “Canada is one of the few countries in the world that can fully design, build, maintain, and certify a transport category aircraft,” he said. “By choosing a Canadian-built fleet, we are putting our industry, our workers, and our aerospace talent front and centre.”

Ottawa says the new aircraft will not be limited to executive transport. According to government officials, the Global 6500 jets will also be used for medical evacuations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief, expanding their role beyond traditional VIP travel.

“This investment will create hundreds of good jobs across Canada while providing the Royal Canadian Air Force with modern, versatile aircraft for humanitarian missions, medical evacuations, and national security operations,” Fuhr said.

The Global 6500 is a long-range business jet capable of intercontinental flights and is already in service with several civilian and government operators worldwide. The platform offers greater range, endurance, and cabin space than the Challenger series it replaces, allowing it to support a broader range of missions without refueling stops.

The CC-144 Challenger fleet has long been a subject of political debate in Canada. Opposition parties have repeatedly criticized the use of government aircraft by senior officials, describing the jets as an unnecessary expense. Ottawa has countered that the aircraft provide essential mobility for national leadership and serve critical secondary roles, including emergency response and medical transport.

Government officials say replacing the aging Challengers has become increasingly difficult due to maintenance demands and parts availability, factors that have driven up operating costs and reduced availability. The new Global 6500 fleet is expected to improve reliability while aligning with current operational requirements.