­
Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter Since 1995

Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Since 1995

wayne albertson articles

Air Canada lease of World Airways MD-11F
 
While looking through the Air Canada historic fleet for source material, I was surprised to notice 3 McDonnell Douglas MD-11's listed.
 
I certainly have no memory of ever seeing an MD-11 in Air Canada livery. What's up with this?
 
Three aircraft were wet leased from World Airways for cargo operations from 2005 to 2008 due to Air Canada having retired its own dedicated cargo fleet years before. The aircraft had a decal stating 'Operated for Air Canada' applied to the fuselage.
 
My Google search turned up the following excerpt from the Globe & Mail, March 18, 2005.
 
"Air Canada has signed a $44-million agreement with World Air Holdings Inc. to expand cargo service to China.
 
Air Canada, owned by ACE Aviation Holdings Inc., plans to fly a World Airways MD-11 aircraft three times a week between Toronto and Shanghai starting in May, the companies said in statements. The leasing agreement is for two years". 
 
Editor's Note: The only photos that I could find were taken in Budapest, Hungary.
 
The three aircraft were: 
  • N274WA - August 2005 to June 2007
  • N275WA - May 2005 to December 2006
  • N381WA  - May 2005 to April 2008 
World Airways ceased operations in March 2014. All three aircraft were purchased and stored for parts. Click the registration to view the lifecycle & fate of each. 
 
tmb 550 N274WA
 
Photo courtesy of Tibor Mester

NetLetter Subscription

Airline
Referral
­