BC Industry News

GARDN Seeks Funding Submissions for Green Aerospace Initiatives

November 8, 2016

The Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN) has announced its fourth and final call for proposals. In particular GARDN is seeking “small” projects of up to 24 months in duration and about $300,000 to which it would contribute 50 percent or $150,000. Completed applications are being accepted until 1 pm (PDT) on Friday, December 2nd. For information, please visit http://gardn.org/projects/submit-a-research-project/ The Green Aviation Research & Development Network (GARDN) is a non-profit organization funded by the Business-Led Network of Centres of Excellence (BL-NCE) of the Government of Canada and the Canadian aerospace industry. To increase Canada’s aerospace competitiveness, GARDN funds collaborative projects that can reduce the environmental footprint of the next generation of aircraft, engines and avionics systems developed in Canada. GARDN helps its members from academia and industry bring their innovative ideas to life.

B.C. Aerospace Sector Well Represented at International Trade Show

October 28, 2016

A delegation of 17 B.C. aerospace companies will attend Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai, led by Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism. Airshow China 2016 is Asia’s largest aerospace trade show, held Nov. 1-6, and is expected to attract almost half a million visitors. It offers a gateway for aviation and aerospace companies from Canada and around the world to showcase their latest technologies and products to a fast-growing Chinese market. The B.C. companies and accompanying organizations like Aerospace Industries Association of Canada – Pacific will display information at the Canada Pavilion. “The Government of British Columbia works hard to actively promote the strengths of B.C. companies and facilitate new opportunities in overseas markets,” said Wat. “Participation in events like Airshow China 2016 allows B.C.’s thriving aerospace sector to showcase their distinct products and services, build relationships and attract international investment. Government’s support for these delegations helps increase exports, and contributes to economic growth and job creation throughout the province.” While commercial passenger traffic in China continues to grow at approximately 7% per year, the Chinese State Council recently named general aviation as the next engine to drive the Chinese economy, and some industry analysts predict growth of 15% per year in this sector. As general aviation airspace opens across China, and the number of general aviation airports increases dramatically, there will be high demand for expertise in aircraft and airport operations. “Viking Air’s market entry into China has made great strides in 2016 with the delivery of our first two Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft,” said Dominique Spragg, Viking’s vice-president of strategic planning. “Our receipt of certification and Chinese registration has enabled the aircraft to be used for demonstration flights throughout the country. In addition, recognition of the Series 400 as a 19-passenger commuter by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as well as the pending certification of the aircraft as a float plane, has further advanced the Twin Otter as the leading western utility and commuter aircraft for the Chinese market.” B.C.’s aerospace sector is renowned for its long history of operating both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft according to the highest safety standards in the world. Canadian aerospace companies have an international reputation for aviation safety generally, as well as operational efficiency, and will be promoting their expertise throughout the Airshow. The companies from B.C. attending Airshow China are looking for business opportunities in China where they can leverage this expertise with interested Chinese partners. “AIAC-Pacific is pleased to take part in Airshow China 2016 alongside our member companies and government partners,” said Taylor Briggs, vice-president government affairs & policy, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada – Pacific. “This event is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate and showcase the capabilities of B.C. aerospace companies in the increasingly important Asia-Pacific market.” British Columbia’s Ministry of International Trade works to secure B.C.’s entry into priority markets, create jobs for British Columbians and maintain the strongest economy in the country. This includes an extensive network of B.C. trade and investment representative offices worldwide, including four in China, where representatives connect B.C. businesses with new markets and trade opportunities and promote British Columbia as a stable and attractive destination for investment. Quick Facts: B.C. has the third-largest aerospace industry in Canada. B.C.’s aerospace sector sustains 8,000 jobs directly and supports 14,300-19,800 jobs indirectly. Exports account for 8% of the provincial economy and one in eight jobs in B.C. 40% of B.C.’s exports went to Asia in 2015. Over the past decade, B.C. exports to Asia have increased by 300%. In 2015/16, B.C.’s overseas Trade and Investment network in Asia facilitated more than $960 million in foreign direct investment to B.C. creating 966 jobs, more than 130 export deals for B.C. companies, and 30 innovation partnerships. Learn More: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/ http://www.airshow.com.cn/en/AboutAirshowChina/AboutAirshowChina/201608/11449.html

Viking Air announces Twin Otter sale and production milestone at Farnborough Airshow

July 13, 2016

Viking Air of Victoria, BC, and Tara Air of Kathmandu, Nepal, have signed an agreement for delivery of three Viking Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft between September 2016 and early 2017. To learn more, click here. Viking Air also announced that its 100th production Series 400 Twin Otter has been completed and delivered to Viking’s sister company, Pacific Sky Aviation, to be utilized as a factory demonstrator. To learn more, click here.  

AIAC Pacific Congratulates B.C.’s Viking Air on Acquiring Amphibious Waterbomber Program

June 20, 2016

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, Pacific Division (AIAC Pacific), congratulated Victoria, B.C.-based Viking Air on acquiring the worldwide CL-415 waterbomber program from Bombardier. The transaction will see Viking acquire the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all variants of Bombardier’s amphibious aircraft (the CL-415 waterbomber as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions), and assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers operating in 11 countries around the world. Viking announced that the acquisition will add up to 40 people to its workforce in BC and Alberta. To read Viking Air’s news release, click here. To read Bombardier’s news release, click here.