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AIAC Pacific Applauds Conair’s Investment in B.C. Aerospace

Conair Group Inc., a leader in the aerospace and aerial firefighting sectors, has announced three aerospace initiatives that highlight the region’s contribution to R&D investment, job creation, environmental protection, and the safety of B.C and West Coast communities. NEWS RELEASE Abbotsford, B.C. – February 19, 2016 – Today, Conair Group Inc., a leader in the aerospace and aerial firefighting sectors, announced three aerospace initiatives that highlight the region’s contribution to R&D investment, job creation, environmental protection, and the safety of communities in B.C. and along the West Coast. These initiatives include: Engineering and construction on the new purpose built RJ85, a type one Airtanker with cutting-edge aerial firefighting capability.  This program has created 50 jobs. The launch of a new enhancement program for the Bombardier Q400 Airtanker. The completed aircraft will be the most versatile 10,000 litre airtanker combination on the market today. The project is estimated to create over 30 new jobs. The signing of an M.O.U. with CAE, Inc. to build a world-class wildfire training and simulation centre in B.C. The agreement will bring a Conair/CAE RJ85 class D flight simulator to B.C. and establish Conair as the anchor customer for RJ85 pilot training. Once a full-scale, training and simulation centre is established in B.C. new job opportunities will be created such as Full Flight Simulator Trainers, Simulator Technicians and Simulation Centre Operations Staff. All three projects are creating high-quality, skilled jobs in B.C. throughout the design, production, implementation and operation phases.  AIAC Pacific is committed to working with Conair and our other members in building a unified and sustainable aerospace cluster in B.C. Senior government representatives joined industry at the event, signaling their support for the sector. Joining Conair CEO Barry Marsden for the announcement were: the Honourable Mike de Jong, B.C. Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford; the Honourable Shirley Bond, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour; and the Honourable Steve Thomson, B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands, & Natural Resource Operations. “As we have seen today, the aerospace sector in B.C. continues to innovate and invest in cutting edge technology that is creating long term, well paying jobs. Today’s announcement reinforces the reputation of Conair and the B.C. aerospace sector as world leaders in aerospace and aerial firefighting,” said AIAC President and CEO, Jim Quick. “I am pleased to congratulate Conair on these three extraordinary initiatives, and I thank Ministers de Jong, Bond and Thomson for their continued support of our industry.” Related Links: BC Government/Conair news release, photos and video About AIAC: AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 172,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada. About AIAC Pacific: In early 2014, AIAC created AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in B.C. by acting as an advocate and facilitator for its members with industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with a cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for B.C. companies to national and international programs; and aims to develop a strong relationship with the provincial government. AIAC Pacific has a unique relationship with AIAC in that it is the only provincial entity managed by the AIAC. Through this relationship, AIAC Pacific is able to leverage participation in national and international programs designed to enhance business development, investment and global competitiveness. Media Contacts: Kristen VanderHoek, Director of Communications, AIAC, 613 232-4297 x225, kvanderhoek@aiac.ca Mike Mueller, Vice President, Operations and Communications, AIAC Pacific, Cell (604) 655-3566, mmueller@aiac.ca

Province Re-Affirms Commitment to BC Aerospace in Budget 2016

The provincial government vows to continue its partnership with AIAC Pacific and to continue investing in creating a unified aerospace cluster in B.C. NEWS RELEASE Provincial Budget Invests in Aerospace Jobs and Innovation Province continues partnership with AIAC Pacific to create a unified aerospace cluster in B.C. Victoria (B.C.), February 16, 2016 – The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada Pacific today thanked the provincial government for its continued support and investment in B.C.’s aerospace industry. By re-affirming the government’s 5-year, $5 million commitment, AIAC Pacific will continue to work with government and other partners to build a unified and sustainable aerospace cluster in B.C. AIAC President and CEO Jim Quick made the following statement: “Today’s announcement ensures that AIAC Pacific is able to continue its work creating high skill, high paying jobs; attracting new investment and R&D; and bring new aerospace capacity and capability to B.C.,” said AIAC President and CEO Jim Quick. “Using this investment we will continue to leverage Federal and other funding to focus on creating 5 key industrial capabilities that will position BC’s aerospace industry as a leader in Canada and around the world. We thank the government for its continued support and commitment to our industry.” About AIAC: AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 172,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada. About AIAC Pacific: In early 2014, AIAC created AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in B.C. by acting as an advocate and facilitator for its members with industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with a cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for B.C. companies to national and international programs; and aims to develop a strong relationship with the provincial government. AIAC Pacific has a unique relationship with AIAC in that it is the only provincial entity managed by the AIAC. Through this relationship, AIAC Pacific is able to leverage participation in national and international programs designed to enhance business development, investment and global competitiveness.