Strategic airlift provides global reach for military forces, a capability of particular importance to Canadian Forces given Canada's worldwide commitments and interests. With a commitment to both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations Canadian Forces must be able to provide a strategic airlift capability for relief operations and to deploy peacekeeping, peacemaking, humanitarian and observer forces almost anywhere in the world - a capability limited only by weight and volume of the forces and the distance they are to be airlifted. For Canadian Forces to maintain its strategic airlift capability well into the next century, the first of five ex-Wardair / Canadian Airlines International Airbus A310's was delivered in 1992, to 437 Sqn at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. This has been the Air Force's only true strategic airlift squadron since 1961 when it was equipped with the Canadair CC-106 Yukon. Since 1970 Canadian Forces had relied on five CC-137s (Boeing 707-320's) that were used primarily in the strategic airlift and air-refueling roles. The end of an era came with retirement of the last two CC-137s that were maintained in an air-refueling configuration (the first two retired in 1993 and a third in 1994). The retirement of the CC-137 also brought an end to Canada's ability to provide strategic air refueling to the CF-18's.

The five-plane fleet's primary role is long-range transport of personnel and equipment, up to 194 passengers or 32,000 kg of cargo. four aircraft can be configured in the combi-role carrying both passengers and freight and they are equipped with a large cargo door plus a strengthened floor and fuselage. One aircraft (CC150001) is permanently configured for VIP transportation duties. They've participated in operations supporting Canadian Forces, NATO and numerous United Nations and Red Cross initiatives. The squadron has an excellent reputation transporting high ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, the Governor General around the world. The Huskies are proud of their motto, "Omnia Passim," (Anytime, Anywhere).

Two aircraft in the fleet have been upgraded, along with German Air Force aircraft, to be capable of in-flight refueling.