High profile landing at National Air Force Museum

Polaris 15001 image courtesy the National Air Force Museum of Canada and Combat Camera.

The National Air Force Museum of Canada rolled out the temporary runway Monday to welcome CC-150 Polaris 15001 to its new, permanent home in the RCAF Memorial Airpark.

With a wingspan of nearly 44-metres, the aircraft is now the largest in the Museum’s collection of 44 historic military aircraft.

First taken on strength by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in June 1993, Polaris 15001 served as both a VIP and troop transport until its retirement in 2025. Operated by 437 (T) Squadron at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton, it flew in support of UN, Red Cross, and NATO missions worldwide, including contributing to Canadian Operations in Afghanistan.

Polaris 15001 is best known for its high-profile role transporting the Prime Minister, Governor General, members of the Royal Family, and other dignitaries. Over its service life, the aircraft underwent numerous modifications to meet the needs of successive governments.

Their Royal Highnesses board the CC-150 Polaris with the saluting Honour Guard from Team North during the Canadian Royal Tour in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories on May 19, 2022. – Master Corporal Jax Kennedy, Canadian Armed Forces photo

Early upgrades included an eight-seat dining room, entertainment area, fold-out beds, and a shower. In 2013, the aircraft received the distinctive, white paint job seen today, which replaced the RCAF’s military grey that was used when the aircraft was more heavily tasked with troop transport.

“For the museum, this is an exciting new addition to their growing collection. Polaris 15001 has a long service history, but what is most unique about the aircraft is its airframe,” explained Curator Laura Imrie. “The aircraft underwent a number of modifications before entering service with the RCAF, and while in service. It’s a great example of how aircraft can be modified to serve a variety of roles.”

The CC-150 Polaris highlights the flexibility of the RCAF fleet. While 15001 served in a VIP role, other Polaris aircraft that joined the RCAF’s fleet carried out strategic airlift and air-to-air refueling, demonstrating how aircraft can be adapted and reconfigured to meet evolving operational requirements.

The museum will spend time cataloguing and preparing the interior of the aircraft. Beginning in summer 2026, it hopes to open Polaris 15001 for interior tours on a rotating schedule as part of its popular “Flight Deck Friday” programming, offered through July and August.

Kevin Windsor, the museum’s Executive Director, said the new acquisition “marks an important milestone for the museum and for our mission to preserve and share Canada’s air force heritage. Representing more than three decades of service, its unique history adds significant depth to our
collection. We look forward to welcoming visitors to step inside and experience firsthand one of the most
recognizable aircraft to have served with the RCAF.”

The National Air Force Museum of Canada, located at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton, preserves and shares the history of Canada’s air force through its extensive collection of aircraft, artefacts, and archival materials. The RCAF Memorial Airpark is the largest living monument dedicated to air force personnel in Canada, and boasts an impressive collection of historic military aircraft.