Aerospace
An unlimited horizon
Canadian pioneers long dreamed of taking flight, and their subsequent innovations opened new ways to explore, helping transform Canada into a manufacturing-based economy. The world-class research, testing and leading-edge certification infrastructure, digital technologies, and advancements in robotics, AI, cyber-security and clean-energy solutions being produced in Canada propel the Aerospace and Defence industry toward a greener, safer, faster future. Today, Aerospace and Defence centres of excellence in Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa and Montréal, provide organizers of international conferences an array of unique locations to connect with the world’s foremost industry experts and leading researchers, advancing global connections along the way.
An unlimited horizon
Canadian pioneers long dreamed of taking flight, and their subsequent innovations opened new ways to explore, helping transform Canada into a manufacturing-based economy. The world-class research, testing and leading-edge certification infrastructure, digital technologies, and advancements in robotics, AI, cyber-security and clean-energy solutions being produced in Canada propel the Aerospace and Defence industry toward a greener, safer, faster future. Today, Aerospace and Defence centres of excellence in Winnipeg, Halifax, Ottawa and Montréal, provide organizers of international conferences an array of unique locations to connect with the world’s foremost industry experts and leading researchers, advancing global connections along the way.
Aerospace in Canada
$29B
Annual revenue
Source: State of Canada's Defence Industry 2018 Report; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
12.6B
Sector GDP
Source: State of Canada's Defence Industry 2018 Report; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
85,600
jobs
Source: State of Canada's Defence Industry 2018 Report; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Canada's key Aerospace centres
Sub-sector spotlight
Aerospace R&D
- $1.7 Billion in R&D spending
- Hotspots in Montréal & Ottawa
- 3rd Highest R&D Intensity in OECD Countries
Manufacturing
- #1 for Civil Flight Simulator Productions
- #3 for Civil Aircraft Production
- #3 for Civil Engine Production
Security & Defence
- Hotspots: Halifax & Ottawa
"As a world leader in Aerospace R&D, the National Research Council Canada (NRC), headquartered in Ottawa, has a long and proud history of conducting research, performing technical services and developing technology solutions to support the Canadian aerospace industry. The NRC̓s Aerospace Research Centre is the leading Canadian organization in the development of technologies and manufacturing processes for Aerospace, supporting this important industry with facilities, expertise and knowledge."
Home-grown tech companies
Lockheed Martin Canada’s Maritime Advanced Training and Test Site (MATTS) facility in Halifax provides a near-at-sea environment for Canadian businesses to test and develop solutions for Canada’s navy.
GE Aviation and StandardAero have upgraded the GE Aviation Engine Testing, Research and Development Centre in Winnipeg to run trials of the new GE9X engine, which is destined to power Boeing’s 777X aircraft.
ING Robotic Aviation is a high-tech robotic aircraft company that provides airborne mapping, inspection and monitoring services to key sectors including defence and public safety, oil and gas, mining, utilities and agriculture.
Lixar is a software and Internet of Things company providing fleet and reservation management, point-of-sale, passenger experience, customer engagement and operational efficiency solutions for the aerospace industry.
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada is working to develop next-generation helicopter technologies including a commercially viable urban air taxi via Hybrid Drive Train Research Aircraft (HYDRA), its circular unmanned aerial research platform.
Bombardier’s Global Completion Centre includes the Centre of Excellence, which is dedicated to high-precision completion work for the new Global 7000 business jet.
Bluedrop Performance Learning is spearheading a $19-million project to adapt gaming and mobile technologies—such as virtual reality and augmented reality—to improve the use of artificial intelligence in new simulation and training products used by air and marine crews.
Pratt & Whitney Canada, a global aerospace leader, is consistently one of Canada’s top five R&D investors overall. The company has committed more than $1 billion to develop the next generation of high-performance aircraft engines.
Here's how we can help you get planning
The team at Destination Canada Business Events helps global organizations meet with purpose in Canada. Contact our team for:
- Specific information regarding Canada's sector expertise
- Recommendations on destinations based on their sector strengths
- Introductions to industry leaders, academia, and economic development agencies
- Recommendations of expert speakers to augment events
- Assistance in sourcing RFPs for conference placement
Stay up to date
Sign up for event planning tips, resources and the latest news from our team.