Air Canada (AC) is upping its game in the cargo market. Buoyed by 42% growth in cargo revenues, the airline is moving to expand its fleet with new production freighters.

It is set to receive two new B767-300F aircraft this year, in addition to its steps to convert eight 767s from passenger into all-cargo configuration.

For an airline board that used to have strong reservations about all-cargo aircraft, the decision to invest in production freighters signals a long-term strategy in which cargo plays a significant part.

“Today’s announcement is a further signal of our long-term commitment to freighters, as we continue to adapt and grow at Air Canada Cargo, said cargo VP Jason Berry.

“These factory-built 767-300F aircraft will allow Air Canada Cargo to speed up the expansion of its freighter fleet, helping provide reliable, dedicated services to key cargo routes around the world, further bolstering the capacity provided by Air Canada’s mainline fleet.

“In anticipation of our recovery, Air Canada has kept the course with key long-term projects to increase and diversify revenue and lower costs. One such programme is the expansion of Air Canada Cargo, with quarterly revenue up 42% to C$398m (US$310m) from the first quarter of 2021,” said AC president and CEO Michael Rousseau.