Airbus in Talks With Canada-Backed Lender For Financing on AirAsia Order — Update

By Paul Vieira

OTTAWA--Airbus is in talks with Export Development Canada for financing to help complete the sale of up to 150 of its Montreal-assembled aircraft to AirAsia, the state-owned lender said Friday.

A spokeswoman for EDC said the talks are focused on what financing may be required closer to when delivery of the A220-300 would start. AirAsia Chief Executive Tony Fernandes said this week in Montreal that it could take possession of the narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft starting in early 2028. Fernandes added the Airbus-AirAsia deal is valued at $19 billion.

The A220 is assembled in a suburb of Montreal - facilities that once belonged to Bombardier when it originally pursued the aircraft, known at the time as the CSeries. The Quebec government owns a 25% stake in Airbus's Canada unit, which builds the A220.

EDC is an export-credit financier, backed by the Canadian government, with a mandate to provide financing to ensure Canadian firms can sell their wares abroad. The agency spokeswoman did not provide more specifics on how much in financing the lender may provide. EDC, she said, is "a longstanding and current financier of Airbus aircraft and look forward to continuing to support the company in recognition of its strong Canadian presence."

An Airbus spokeswoman declined comment.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended Wednesday's announcement regarding the Airbus-AirAsia deal, noting this marked the largest commercial aircraft order in Canadian history.

Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 08, 2026 11:44 ET (15:44 GMT)