By Skies Magazine | June 10, 2013 Estimated reading time 1 minute, 55 seconds.
The CC-150 Polaris aircraft primarily used to transport members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister of Canada, and other dignitaries – which Canadian Skies has dubbed “Canada One” – landed at CFB Trenton on May 29, decked out in brand new livery.
According to a communications spokesperson from the Department of National Defence (DND), the aircraft has been repainted as part of regularly scheduled maintenance. The new paint scheme, completed on May 20, includes Canadian symbols such as the national flag, the country’s coat of arms, and the Royal Canadian Air Force logo.
Developed by graphic artist Jim Belliveau, a well-known civilian RCAF team member, Canada One’s new design also includes what the DND calls “iconic phrases” from our national anthem, such as “True North Strong and Free” and “Une épopée des plus brilliants exploits,” which are printed in italicized script under the cockpit window.
The new paint scheme has drawn fire from opposition parties on Parliament Hill, specifically the NDP, who have said the jet’s new colour scheme is too similar to the colours of the Conservative Party.
According to DND sources, the first operational mission for this aircraft will see it transporting passengers and material to support a Relief In Place for Operation Attention in Afghanistan, the loading of which occurred on June 6. The newly-painted Polaris will complete its first VIP airlift in mid-June, when it will transport Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the 39th G8 summit in Ireland.
