The CC-150 Polaris is classified as a strategic airlifter by the Royal Canadian Air Force. As a tanker, the CC-150 has a similar fuel capacity to the KC-135; it is more flexible because of the large cabin, offering good capacity for cargo, troop transport, VIP transport or other uses, but lacks the oversize cargo capacity and ability to operate from austere locations. The Canadian Armed Forces rely on other heavy lift cargo aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster for these kinds of operations.
The five CC-150s are operated by the 437 Transport Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario in Canada. These aircraft served in United Nations, Red Cross and NATO initiatives, including operations in Afghanistan. In 2011, two CC-150T air-to-air refuelling tankers were deployed to support Canadian CF-188 fighter jets enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya under Operation Mobile and Operation Unified Protector.
The initial purchase from Canadian Airlines in 1992 included a support contract for service of the aircraft for a fixed number of flying hours. Air Canada acquired the CC-150 service contract when it purchased Canadian Airlines in 2000.
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