December 1, 2020 – Air Canada confirmed Friday that it plans to convert several Boeing 767-300 Extended Range aircraft to pure freighters to take advantage of expected airfreight growth, and announced the appointment of Alaska Airlines veteran Jason Berry to lead the cargo division. Air Canada is the first carrier since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic to opt for a hybrid fleet, furthering its reputation for innovation. The exact number of aircraft and the timeframe for conversions remains to be determined. The move into all-cargo aircraft was made possible by the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), which agreed to amend the existing labour contract to allow the airline to operate dedicated cargo aircraft, according to Air Canada. Cargo pilots typically earn less than their passenger counterparts. The new deal enables Montreal-based Air Canada to have lower pay scales for cargo pilots so it can compete with freighter operators.