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Canadair

Canadair Ltd.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Canadair Ltd. was a Canadian aircraft manufacturer based in Montreal that operated from 1944 to 1986. It produced civil and military aircraft and became known for designs such as the Challenger business jet, the CL-215 and CL-415 water bombers, and regional airliners. The company was acquired by Bombardier in 1986 and became part of Bombardier Aerospace.

History

Canadair was established in 1944 by the Canadian government to assume aviation work linked to Canadian Vickers. It later passed through ownership by Electric Boat/General Dynamics, was re-nationalized in 1976, and was sold to Bombardier in 1986.

Aircraft and products

Canadair built a range of aircraft, including military transports, business jets, regional jets, and amphibious firefighting aircraft. Among its best-known designs were the Challenger, CL-215, and CL-415.

Ownership and restructuring

The company moved between public and private ownership several times during its existence. Its 1986 sale to Bombardier marked the end of Canadair as an independent company and the start of its integration into Bombardier Aerospace.

Legacy

Canadair remained an important name in Canadian aerospace because of its aircraft designs and its role in the development of Bombardier’s aerospace business. Some aircraft lines associated with Canadair continued under later corporate owners.

Key facts

  • Canadair was founded in 1944 as a Canadian aircraft manufacturer.
  • The company produced both civil and military aircraft.
  • Canadair was privatized in 1986 when its assets were acquired by Bombardier.
  • It became especially known for firefighting aircraft and business jets.
  • Its legacy continued within Bombardier Aerospace.
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Canadian context

Canadair is significant in Canadian industrial and aerospace history as a major Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer and a predecessor company within Bombardier Aerospace.

Frequently asked questions

What was Canadair?
Canadair was a Canadian aircraft manufacturer that produced civil and military aircraft from 1944 to 1986.
Where was Canadair based?
Canadair was based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
When was Canadair founded?
Canadair was founded in 1944.
What happened to Canadair?
Canadair’s assets were acquired by Bombardier in 1986, and it became part of Bombardier Aerospace.
What aircraft is Canadair best known for?
It is especially associated with the Challenger business jet and the CL-215 and CL-415 water bombers.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadair
    Supports: Founding date, defunct status, and acquisition by Bombardier in 1986.
  2. Library and Archives Canada — https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/canadair/english/canadair_introduction_page.htm?nodisclaimer=1
    Supports: Origins in Canadian Vickers aviation activities and creation in 1944.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/canadair-ltee
    Supports: Company origins, aircraft products, and production facilities.
  4. The Museum of Flight — https://archives.museumofflight.org/agents/corporate_entities/735
    Supports: Ownership history, founding, and acquisition by Bombardier.
  5. Bombardier — https://bombardier.com/en/about/our-history
    Supports: Bombardier's purchase of Canadair in 1986 and role in aerospace expansion.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/canadair-inc
    Supports: Notable aircraft including the CL-44, CL-415, and Global Express.