Approximately 100 workers at the L3-Harris unit of Local 712 of the IAM Union will soon be responsible for overhauling and maintaining the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) nine CC-330 Husky aircraft.
This morning, L3Harris announced the news at its Mirabel plant. In attendance were representatives from the IAM Union, as well as federal ministers Mélanie Joly (Industry) and Joël Lightbound (Public Services and Procurement). Also present was the Member of Parliament for Mirabel, Jean-Denis Garon (Bloc Québécois).
“This announcement confirms the expertise and knowledge of L3Harris employees in Mirabel,” said Stéphane Desmarais, grievance president of L3Harris unit. “This new contract is therefore excellent news for the future of the company’s operations in Quebec.“
The CC-330 Husky is a modified version of the A330-200 Airbus. In 2021, Canada ordered nine of these aircraft for $3 billion.
Of the nine CC-330 Huskies, eight will be configured for in-flight refueling. These aircraft are compatible with military aircraft such as the F-18, F-35A, C-17, and P-8A.
The new aircraft will replace the CC-150 Polaris, which is currently used for in-flight refueling, transporting military personnel and cargo, conducting medical evacuations, and transporting federal government officials on strategic missions. With a transport capacity of up to 300 soldiers. The first MRTT is scheduled to be delivered in 2027.
Recognized Expertise in Military Aircraft Maintenance
Since 1986, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has carried out the in-service maintenance of its CF-18s at the L3Harris MAS Inc. facility in Mirabel. Maintenance on Canada’s F-35s is also scheduled to take place at the L3Harris facility in Mirabel. However, the F-35s will not require major maintenance until 2031.
“If we want to maintain our expertise and our jobs until the first Canadian F-35 arrives in Mirabel, the Canadian government must give us the means to do so. The maintenance contract for the CC-330 Husky fleet is a step in the right direction,” said Christian Bertrand, president of Local 712.
“Beyond what was announced today, we hope the government is exploring other options to ensure a smooth transition between retiring the CF-18s and starting maintenance on the RCAF’s new fleet of fighter jets,” added Philippe Comeau, L3-Harris’s District 11 business representative.
