Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft

In 2002, the Governor General-in-Council, on the advice of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, purchased two additional Challenger jets for exclusive royal, viceregal, and ministerial transport.

Use of these planes by ministers of the Crown came under heavy criticism, partly due to the high cost of operation—approximately CAD$11,000 per hour[5]—as well as questions over prioritisation of other military aircraft procurement.

Both times, the press reports of these actions brought criticism towards the vicereines from some corners; however, the governor general's mode of transport is directed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Attendants on flights operated by these squadrons are select volunteers from various services in the Canadian Forces and serve in their posting for two or three years; they must undergo an intensive training period and additional security background checks prior to VIP transport duty.

In November 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took his first flight aboard a refurbished Airbus A330-200 purchased from Kuwait Airways.