Boeing has announced the appointment of retired Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger as president of Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
Meinzinger is a former Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), most recently serving as its longest-serving Commander in the last 60 years.
In this role, he was responsible for providing the Canadian government with effective air and space capabilities.
Effective June 6, 2024, Meinzinger brings a distinguished career of service and leadership to this crucial role with Boeing.
Leading a Strong Canadian Presence
Meinzinger will assume responsibility for Boeing’s extensive operations in Canada, where the company boasts a significant network of customers, employees, and suppliers.
He will report to Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, and succeeds Charles “Duff” Sullivan, who recently retired.
“We are thrilled to welcome LGen Meinzinger to lead Boeing in Canada, one of our most important international supplier bases,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global.
“With over 105 years of partnership in Canada, Al’s deep aerospace experience and strong relationships will be instrumental in ensuring continued success for our Canadian customers.”
Dr. Nelson also expressed gratitude to Duff Sullivan for his valuable contributions to Boeing Canada over the past three years.
Boeing in Canada
More than a dozen Canadian carriers operate Boeing airplanes, including Canada’s major airlines Air Canada and WestJet. Each day, about 100,000 passengers fly on Boeing planes operated by Canadian airlines.
Air Canada operates the 787 Dreamliner family, 777-200LR (Long Range), 777-300ER and 737 MAX. The airline operates more than 100 Boeing aircraft in its current fleet.
WestJet operates the 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX and 787-9. Since launching its business with three 737s in 1996, WestJet has grown its all-Boeing fleet to more than 100 airplanes.
A Distinguished Career in Aerospace
Meinzinger brings a remarkable 35-year career with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to the table. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Commander in the RCAF’s past 60 years.
Throughout his service, Meinzinger held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Strategic Joint Staff, Deputy Commander of the RCAF, and Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada.
His impressive career extends beyond Canada’s borders. Meinzinger served with distinction in the United States as a member of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command.
There, he played a pivotal role in revamping the national Arctic strategy. Additionally, he served in Afghanistan as Canada’s Air Wing Commander, overseeing the delivery of critical air capabilities.
Looking Forward to Leading in Canada
“I am incredibly excited to join the Boeing team in Canada,” said Meinzinger.
“Connecting with our customers, employees, and suppliers is a priority, and I’m eager to lead our operations as Boeing embarks on its second century of partnership with this great nation.”
2024 marks a significant milestone – the 105th anniversary of Boeing’s partnership with Canada. With a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees across 15 locations, Boeing Canada plays a vital role.
The company supplies composite parts for all current Boeing commercial airplanes and supports Canadian airlines and the Canadian Armed Forces with a comprehensive range of products and services.
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