MDA names new President and CEO
May 4, 2016Howard L. Lance has been named MDA’s President and CEO, effective May 16, 2016. Lance succeeds Daniel Freedman who served as MDA’s CEO since 1995.
AIAC Pacific Congratulates B.C.’s Heli-One on Securing Significant International Contracts
April 26, 2016Vancouver, B.C. – The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, Pacific Division (AIAC Pacific), today congratulated Delta, B.C.-based Heli-One on securing a US$8 million contract to refurbish two helicopters for His Majesty, the Sultan of Johor. Johor is located in the south of peninsular Malaysia adjacent to Singapore, and is the countries third largest contributor to GDP. Yesterday’s announcement represents Heli-One’s second Malaysian contract signing this month – the other being an agreement to upgrade the S-61 helicopter fleet for the Royal Malaysia Air Force in partnership with AIROD, Malaysia’s leading aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. The contract involves installing new glass cockpits in two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters owned by His Majesty. The contract was concluded during the Sultan’s recent visit to B.C., which included tours of a number of world-class B.C. aerospace facilities. Heli-One is headquartered in Delta, B.C. where the company operates out of a 200,000 sq. ft. facility and employs approximately 250 people. “Heli-One’s contracts with the Royal Malaysia Air Force and the Sultan of Johor speaks to the world-class aerospace capabilities that exist in British Columbia and are proof that B.C.’s aerospace industry can win business anywhere in the world,” said AIAC President and CEO, Jim Quick. “This announcement is further proof that together with the provincial government, AIAC Pacific is on the right track to developing new aerospace capacity and capability in B.C.” 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 Aerospace Industries Association of Canada 613 232-4297 x225 kvanderhoek@aiac.ca Mike Mueller Vice President, Operations and Communications AIAC Pacific Cell (604) 655-3566 mmueller@aiac.ca
BC Lieutenant Governor encourages females to explore unusual possibilities
January 24, 2016The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia is excited to share her passion for aviation and inspire female future leaders in aviation, aerospace, marine and defence at The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! 2016. “I am delighted to participate for a second year in The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too!” said the Lieutenant Governor. “There are no limits to the opportunities girls and young women can pursue. I encourage them to explore aviation as an option and this event is a wonderful place to start.” On March 12-13, 2016 more than 15,000 participants from around BC and beyond are expected at the Abbotsford International Airport, Abbotsford, BC for the largest outreach event of its kind. The event aims to address gender and cultural diversity in aviation, aerospace, marine and defence. Most of the target audience have no experience with, or exposure to, these industries. Free flights are offered to female first-time fliers to draw females of all ages to the airport and pique their interest in further exploring the hands-on ground activities. Advance registration is required for the free flights: www.girlsfly2.ca. As well, all participants are encouraged to try their hand at many aviation, aerospace, marine and defence activities. Civilian and non-civilian agencies and VIPs will be on hand with aircraft and ground support/tactical vehicles to explore. The event is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend. No registration is required for the ground activities. The events are completely free to ensure no barriers to participation. This is made possible thanks to the generous support of industry and community partners such as The University of the Fraser Valley; Teck Construction; Government of British Columbia,Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training; Abbotsford International Airport andVancouver Airport Authority. The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! events are part of an outreach initiative founded by BC pilotKirsten Brazier in 2012. Events are held annually during the week of International Women’s Day and in celebration of past, present and future women in aviation, aerospace, marine and defence. Events organized by The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! have won several international awards and already set three world precedents as the largest single outreach event of their kind. Despite the best recruiting and retention efforts of many, the number of women in technical and top executive/command areas in aviation, aerospace, marine and defence remains appallingly low. Out of 24,505 professional pilots in Canada, only 5.5% of them are women. Out of 19,601 aircraft engineers, only 2.8% of them are women. Less than 3% of the technical/top command positions in the Canadian Forces are women. From the numbers it would be tempting to conclude that women are either uninterested or unwelcome in these fields. Instead, studies have shown that a common perception persists that aviation, aerospace, marine and defence are industries reserved for men. From an early age, male and female alike are affected by this perception message, which is continually reinforced by observation (lack of change), media, social media and advertising. The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! employs a hands-on approach to capture the interest and attention of the missing female demographic. “From shop floor to top floor, we’re inspiring future leaders!” says Kirsten Brazier, Founder. Brazier is a professional pilot from the Lower Mainland, BC and she holds Airline Transport Ratings for both aeroplanes and helicopters. With over 20 years of flying experience, Brazier has enjoyed a diverse career flying across Canada, US and the Caribbean on wheels, floats, skis and skids as well as two-crew operations in both aeroplanes and helicopters.
MTU Maintenance Canada looks back at successful accessory repair ramp-up
January 11, 2016Three years after the opening of the Accessory Repair Center (A.R.C.), MTU Maintenance Canada, is satisfied with the development of its business for accessory repair and Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) management. The company, an affiliate of one of the world’s leading engine maintenance providers, has managed to increase revenues by 48 percent to 40 million US dollars since 2012 and has won a number of new customers. In 2015 alone, MTU Maintenance Canada signed several long-term contracts at a total value of 26 million US dollars. “MTU Maintenance Canada’s accessory business is on a very good track, and we are confident that we will achieve our goal for 2020”, said Dan Watson, Chief Commercial Officer at MTU Maintenance Canada. “We expect our revenues to increase around 50 percent in the next five years. While we continue to support the MTU’s network of engine MRO facilities, the growth is also a result of our successful development of component repair capability and supply chain tools for airlines around the globe.” Accessories and LRUs include parts that do not directly form part of the core engine, but are necessary to sustain its operation. As a one-stop shop provider, they are becoming increasingly important in MTU Maintenance Canada’s services portfolio. The A.R.C. was founded in a move to offer customers a broader range of MRO services under MTU’s Total Engine Care (TEC®) concept. With the aim to lower the operating costs of its customers, the facility, co-located with MTU Maintenance’s engine MRO location at the Vancouver International Airport, offers a wide range of internal accessory repair capabilities that can be accessed directly. Employees at the A.R.C. at the MTU Maintenance Canada site.
BC Aerospace welcomes provincial initiative to stimulate technology development
December 8, 2015Aerospace sector sees strong links between BC Technology Strategy and efforts to increase aerospace research and technology development in BC Abbotsford, BC: December 8, 2015 – The BC Aerospace industry welcomed today’s $100 million “BC Tech Fund” announcement as an important step in stimulating local technology growth and as being closely aligned with joint government-industry-academic efforts to generate more aerospace research and technology development in BC. Technology development factors significantly into AIAC Pacific’s plan for accelerating the growth of BC’s aerospace sector, which includes developing “R&D Centres of Excellence” as one of its five key strategic focuses. “Aerospace and technology development go hand-in-hand,” said David Schellenberg, Chair of AIAC Pacific. “In partnership with the provincial government, AIAC Pacific has identified research and technology development as a priority, and we’re working hard to identify and secure funding sources, connect potential research partners and convince our industry of the benefits of investing in R&D.” BC’s aerospace and academic communities were quick off the mark in securing federal research dollars through the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC), which established a national research network in the spring of 2015. “Research and technology development is critical to Canada’s competitiveness in the global aerospace market,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, a founding partner in CARIC. “To be a leader in aerospace R&D, Canada must tap into the strengths and capabilities of every region, and that’s why we are proud to be working in partnership with the Province of BC and to see their commitment to advancing technology and innovation in their province.” AIAC Pacific also looks forward to learning about the province’s BC Tech Talent and Market initiatives which will be unveiled at the BC Tech Summit in January 2016. Training for aerospace engineers and linking them with opportunities in BC was raised as a key issue during a series of BC Aerospace Industry Forums held across the province this fall. – 30 – Click to download this release in PDF.
Partners needed for cutting-edge research projects: CARIC
December 2, 2015Project partners are sought for various project proposals that have been submitted to the Consortium for Aerospace Research & Innovation in Canada (CARIC). Click on the image below to view or download the PDF.
Saxon Aerospace launches new logo, branding initiative
November 28, 2015A letter from Saxon Aerospace managing director, Tom Walters: Saxon Aerospace is a specialized organization that is dedicated to delivering a higher level of flexible, skilled staffing for aerospace companies while supporting the careers of qualified aerospace technicians. We’ve been busy growing over the years, and felt it was time for our brand identity to be more reflective of our unique strengths in the industry and the level of service we provide you. We’re pleased to announce our new branding initiative for Saxon Aerospace. At the heart of the brand is our new logo, which symbolically brings to life the relationship between our customers and technicians, with Saxon as the conduit between the two. The new look is suggestive of our personal approach and commitment to serving our clients and technicians. You will find a completely redesigned website with more intuitive navigation for a better user experience. You’ll also appreciate a clear presentation of the ways we help organizations improve workforce performance and support skilled technicians with their career goals. Overall, we believe our new identity more closely aligns with our dedication to building relationships between aerospace companies and technicians. It’s what sets us apart. Please view our new brand at saxonaerospace.com.
Modernization: Cascade Aerospace to convert CL215 for Government of Saskatchewan
November 19, 2015Cascade Aerospace is pleased to announce that it will conduct a Modernization Program to convert a piston-engine CL215 to a turbine-engine CL215T for the Ministry of Environment for the Government of Saskatchewan. This CL215 Modernization program will consist of approximately 80 service bulletins to complete: Piston to Turbine conversion; instrumentation and Wiring upgrade; and structural and aerodynamic improvements. This conversion marks the ninth such conversion conducted by Cascade Aerospace and the fifth CL215 conversion for the Government of Saskatchewan. The converted aircraft will not only convert the engine, but feature improved and modernized structural components, electrical distribution system and engine fuel system, in addition to the replacement of manual flight controls by powered systems to benefit from added engine power and reduced pilot workload. Once modified, the aircraft will perform similarly to the renowned Bombardier 415 firefighting aircraft but at significantly reduced cost. Globally, there are over 25 aircraft still eligible for this important upgrade available from Cascade Aerospace. “The skills and knowledge developed over the previous eight CL215 conversions, have provided us with the capability to leverage our extensive aircraft modernization services to make this program a success for Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment;” said Ben Boehm, Executive Vice President and COO of Cascade Aerospace. “This converted aircraft for the Wildfire Management Branch, will support the Branch’s operability during fire season for years to come.” After conversion, the CL215T will have a maximum cruise speed of about 350 Km/h (189 Knots), almost 20% faster than the CL215. In an average mission of six miles from water to fire, the CL215T can complete ten drops in an hour, two more than the CL215, putting a total of 12,000 gallons of fire suppressant on a fire. Many operators benefit from this upgrade which not only reduces costs and obsolescence, but increases firefighting effectivity. This program is already under way with the acquisition of the airframe and kit; the conversion activities begin in January 2016 with an estimated delivery in early 2017. -30- About Cascade Aerospace As Canada’s longest-serving Design Approval Organization (DAO); Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence; designs, builds and provides life-cycle support for aeronautical products such as aircraft modification and system enhancement kits, freighters and multi-mission aircraft. Media Contact: Kim Tamminga Cascade Aerospace Direct: +1-604-557-2646 ktamminga@cascadeaerospace.com Download the PDF
Marsden honoured by industry at Silver Wings Awards
October 27, 2015Barry Marsden, president and CEO of Conair Aerial Firefighter, was recognized October 20 by the BC Aviation Council (BCAC) with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Read full story.
BC Aerospace Industry Shows Strong Potential to Grow as Economic Driver
August 7, 2015First-ever study of the BC aerospace sector reveals strengths, challenges and opportunities A new study reveals that the BC Aerospace industry is made up of over 160 small, medium and large firms that directly employ 8,300 British Columbians and generate $2.4 billion in revenues and $1.3 billion in value-added output (Gross Domestic Product – GDP). Furthermore, growth in aerospace is predicted to have a significant impact on the BC economy with each $100 million in additional revenues resulting in up to $138 million in additional GDP, plus 330 direct and up to 450 indirect jobs. The study, KPMG’s Economic Impact Analysis and Capabilities Study of the BC Aerospace Industry, was commissioned by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC Pacific) in partnership with the Province of BC. The study also revealed that BC’s aerospace industry is the third-largest in Canada and a national leader in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and the rapidly-evolving and high-value In-Service Support (ISS) sectors. BC is also home to one of Canada’s aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and is a leader in space technology, with specialized capabilities in satellite communications and earth observation. “This study is an important first step in developing a growth strategy for BC aerospace, as it lays out the current state of the industry and identifies where we need to close gaps and enhance capabilities in order to take the industry to the next level,” said David Schellenberg, Chair of AIAC Pacific. “We’re excited to be working in partnership with the provincial government to develop and implement a strategy that will see aerospace contribute to the growth of a diversified BC economy.” The study was conducted with financial support from the Province of BC, which has committed $5 million over five years to unify and grow the BC aerospace industry and attract more global business and investment to BC. “As we look forward to incredible growth within BC’s aerospace industry, it’s important to make sure we have a clear snapshot of where this sector is at,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. “The key findings from this study will help us to know exactly where we stand, creating a foundation for further growth that will continue to keep our economy diverse as well as create jobs for British Columbians.” The study identifies a variety of opportunities and challenges the BC industry must meet in order to continue growing in size and importance nationally and internationally, including: Proximity to Boeing’s final assembly lines in Washington State; Strengths in the rapidly-growing space sector; Industrial Technological Benefit (ITB) obligations and defence procurement opportunities; Industry fragmentation; Disproportionately small share of aerospace R&D. “British Columbia is an important player on the national aerospace stage, and as this study reveals, it is well positioned for growth,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada. “AIAC, both nationally and in BC, looks forward to continue working with BC’s aerospace leadership and the provincial government to ensure BC is a full participant in national initiatives and is able to build on the industry’s current strengths and develop important new capabilities.” AIAC Pacific is working with a team of industry leaders and experts to develop and implement a strategy to position BC’s aerospace industry to participate fully in national initiatives, gain international exposure and pursue global business opportunities. The complete Economic Impact Analysis and Capabilities Study of the BC Aerospace Industry is available for viewing here.