ADSE set to soar in 2017 after successful exhibition in 2016
August 12, 2016The 2016 Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) attracted unprecedented industry support and delegates from across North America and around the world. Click to read more.
Military, Manufacturer and Airline senior representatives headline ADSE 2016 speakers program – media advisory
August 5, 2016The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC Pacific) invites media to attend the 2016 Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE), August 11 & 12 at TRADEX in Abbotsford. This year’s business program features a number of high profile industry and government representatives, highlighted by: Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force Gregg Saretsky, CEO, Westjet Honourable Mike de Jong, BC Minister of Finance Bob Noble, VP, Partnering for Success, Supplier Management, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Joe Marcheschi, Director, Strategic Procurement, Airbus Grant Cool, Chief Operating Officer, Hybrid Enterprises, Lockheed Martin Registration for accredited reporters wishing to attend ADSE 2016 is complimentary, but pre-registration is required. Registration requests may be sent to Trace Acres, tacres@aiac.ca. Other speakers and panelists featured throughout the two-day program include: Karen McCrimmon, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Amrik Virk, BC Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services His Worship Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford Jim Quick, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada Tracy Medve, President, KF Aerospace For more information about ADSE 2016, and to view the full program, visit www.adse.ca . For information: Mike Mueller, Vice President, Operations & Communications, AIAC Pacific 604.655.3566, mmueller@aiac.ca
HON. NAVDEEP BAINS ANNOUNCES INNOVATION AGENDA ACTION AREAS
June 14, 2016Ottawa (Ontario), June 14, 2016 – Today the Honourable Navdeep Bains announced six action areas that will guide the government’s development of a national Innovation Agenda. Those areas are: promoting an entrepreneurial and creative society supporting global science excellence building world-leading clusters and partnerships growing companies and accelerating clean growth competing in a digital world improving ease of doing business The government will be conducting public engagement opportunities throughout the summer, which will be followed by the creation of an action plan later in the year. Jim Quick, President & CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement: On behalf of the Board and members of AIAC, I am pleased to see the government’s commitment to prioritizing Canadian innovation as a key means of creating economic opportunity and prosperity. As our nation’s leading industrial investor in research and development and a globally-integrated exporter of highly innovative Canadian products and technologies, Canada’s aerospace industry serves as a shining example of the opportunity that innovative products and manufacturing processes can create. We commend Minister Bains and his colleagues on the development of the Innovation Agenda, and we look forward to working with the government in the months ahead to identify how Canada’s aerospace sector can contribute to a prosperous, innovative Canada for all. Associated Links: Government Press Release Government Backgrounder 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 over $29B 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 180,000 Canadians. For information: Kristen VanderHoek Director of Communications Aerospace Industries Association of Canada 613 232-4297 x225 kvanderhoek@aiac.ca
AIAC Pacific welcomes federal support for ADSE 2016
May 26, 2016AIAC Pacific welcomes the announcement by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) that the Government of Canada will provide $75,000 in funding support for the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE), August 11 and 12, 2016 in Abbotsford. For more information, click here to read the full WD news release.
AIAC Pacific Applauds Conair’s Investment in B.C. Aerospace
February 19, 2016Conair 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
February 16, 2016The 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.
AIAC Appoints Two Executives to Manage AIAC Pacific
January 18, 2016The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) is pleased to announce that it has hired two new executives, Taylor Briggs and Mike Mueller, to lead the continued growth and development of AIAC Pacific. As Vice Presidents for AIAC Pacific, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Mueller bring their years of experience in the private and public sectors to expand the association’s business development, programs and services, and relationships with government and stakeholders. “AIAC Pacific has grown significantly since it was founded two years ago, and these appointments reflect that growth and the changing needs of the association,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of AIAC. “We were looking for individuals whose experience in public policy, program development, and business development could build on the valuable partnerships we have established with governments, stakeholders, research institutions and industry both in BC and across the country. With the combination of their unique backgrounds and expertise, we are confident that Mr. Briggs and Mr. Mueller are the right choices to lead AIAC Pacific and we are very excited to welcome them to the team.” A government relations expert with years of experience at the Port of Vancouver and advising B.C. Cabinet ministers, Taylor Briggs will be responsible for AIAC Pacific’s government relations efforts. He will lead the execution of AIAC Pacific’s partnership with the Government of British Columbia to implement the government’s $5 million, 5-year commitment to create a unified BC aerospace cluster. He will also manage AIAC Pacific’s stakeholder relations and policy development. With extensive management and communications experience in both the private sector and as a senior advisor and Chief of Staff to federal Cabinet ministers, Mike Mueller will lead AIAC Pacific’s communications, marketing and business development initiatives. He will be responsible for the continued growth of the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE), as well as expanding AIAC Pacific’s strategic programs and partnerships to enhance the association’s long term growth and value to members. Mr. Briggs and Mr. Mueller will assume their responsibilities on January 25, 2016. 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 over $29B 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 180,000 Canadians. About AIAC Pacific: The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada created AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in BC by acting as an advocate and facilitator among industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with a cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for BC companies to national and international programs; and, it 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 national association.
AIAC Announces Appointment of Interim Vice President, AIAC Pacific
December 21, 2015Vancouver (British Columbia), December 21, 2015 – Today Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), announced that it has appointed Dwayne Lucas as Interim Vice President of AIAC’s Pacific division while the association conducts a search for a permanent replacement forJay Teichroeb. Mr. Teichroeb, who has led AIAC Pacific since it was founded in 2013, is departing the association at the end of December. Previously the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascade Aerospace and a Brigadier General in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mr. Lucas is a longstanding leader in the British Columbia aerospace industry. Mr. Lucas currently serves as the Regional Director for the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation (CARIC) in British Columbia. He is also closely involved in the development of the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE), which AIAC Pacific hosts each August in conjunction with the Abbotsford Air Show. “We are very pleased that Mr. Lucas has agreed to lead AIAC Pacific while we continue our search,” said Mr. Quick. “Dwayne’s in-depth knowledge of the industry and history of leadership in the BC aerospace community make him an excellent choice, and we look forward to working with him over the months ahead.” “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jay Teichroeb for his service to our association and industry. Jay’s leadership was instrumental to the creation of AIAC Pacific and to our work with the Province of British Columbia in establishing a unified aerospace industry in BC. His deep knowledge of the BC business community and his strategic vision for the association has greatly benefited our membership, and he will be missed,” added Mr. Quick. 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 over $29B 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 180,000 Canadians. About AIAC Pacific: The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada created AIAC Pacific with a mandate to promote and develop aerospace business in BC by acting as an advocate and facilitator among industry and government. AIAC Pacific speaks with a cohesive voice for the industry; it provides access for BC companies to national and international programs; and, it 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 national association. For information: Kristen VanderHoek Director of Communications Aerospace Industries Association of Canada 613 232-4297 x225, kvanderhoek@aiac.ca
Aerospace: Building on Momentum
November 17, 2015“Staying competitive in a challenging global market has been a key focus for the Canadian aerospace industry.” The aerospace industry is featured in the Nov. 16 issue of The Globe and Mail. Download the PDF or read it online.
ADSE 2015 Draws Record Attendance
September 22, 2015ADSE 2015 draws record attendance The Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo (ADSE), August 6-7, 2015 in Abbotsford featured two days of topical industry panels, exhibits, workshops, and guest speakers, capped off with spectacular chalet seating for a twilight performance of the Abbotsford International Airshow. ADSE 2015 was attended by just over 400 delegates representing 178 participating companies and organizations – both numbers up from the previous year. The trade show featured 37 exhibitors, including a stand-alone UAV display which proved popular with attendees. The packed program had something for every delegate, with workshops and panel discussions focusing on key business challenges including: Securing a place in the supply chain for small-to-medium sized companies Partnering with the academic community in addressing aerospace R&D challenges Responding to the rapidly changing needs of the commercial aerospace sector Developing regulations to safely integrate UAVs into Canada’s airspace Aligning BC’s unique capabilities with Canada’s defence ITB requirements Utilizing federal and provincial development agencies to attract new business and investment Finding employees with the right skills and education to meet future challenges Bolstering your business to protect against cyber-attacks Panel discussions were highlighted by commentary from OEM representatives like Boeing’s Gary Koessler (“We must ensure delivery to customers. Supply disruption hurts when you are running so fast…”), Airbus’s Joe Marcheschi (“The companies we’re interested in doing business with are good at managing risk and capacity planning…”), and Viking’s Dave Curtis (“BC needs to leverage off of set commitments, think outside the box and develop products that we can market globally…”). In addition, welcoming remarks and keynote addresses were provided by a number of prominent business and political figures including: Pat Dewar, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin International Mike Greenley, Vice President and General Manager, CAE Canada Melanie Jordan, Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance Hon. Ed Fast, MP, Abbotsford Hon. Mike de Jong, Minister of Finance, Province of British Columbia Hon. Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services, Province of British Columbia Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Job, Tourism and Skills Training, Province of British Columbia His Worship Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford The day-two schedule also featured announcements by a host of ADSE participants including: The Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC) The Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN) Urthecast OMX KF Aerospace Brican Automated Systems MTU Maintenance Aerospace Industries Association of Canada AIAC Pacific Review the full list of participating companies and organizations at ADSE 2015. View photos from ADSE 2015. Download this info in PDF. AIAC Pacific thanks all partners, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and delegates for contributing to the success of ADSE 2015. ADSE 2016 is scheduled for August 11 & 12, 2016 at Tradex in Abbotsford. See you next year!