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
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.
First-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
B.C. government reaffirms commitment to grow economy and strengthen communities; B.C. aerospace industry spotlighted as world leaders
British Columbia’s burgeoning aerospace industry and its ability to create well-paying jobs for a prosperous B.C. future is among the highlights of the three-year update for the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to grow the economy and strengthen communities.
More than a plan
Premier Christy Clark said the update is much more than a checklist of the plan’s progress, but an opportunity for new commitments to help create long-term, well-paying jobs that also strengthen B.C. families.
“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished. We have a near-record 2.3 million people working in B.C. and there was $3.9 billion in economic growth last year. The full report of our progress is online at bcjobsplan.ca.” said Clark.
Among the eight sector updates is Manufacturing Innovation, highlighting progress in the B.C. aerospace industry, which the provincial government boosted last year by committing $5 million over five years to “unify and grow” it.
B.C. aerospace industry in government spotlight
In the update, the government shone the spotlight on the aerospace industry, saying “with our close proximity to the Pacific Northwest aerospace cluster, British Columbia’s aerospace manufacturers are positioned to be world leaders.
“Companies like Cascade Aerospace, CHC Helicopter, Kelowna Flightcraft, Viking Air, ASCO Aerospace, MDA Corporation and many others are building B.C.’s reputation in this industry.”
Already the B.C. aerospace manufacturing and services sector generates $1.2 billion in revenues annually and employs more than 10,000 British Columbians.
Serving as the voice of the industry in B.C. is AIAC Pacific, based in Abbotsford and part of the larger Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour at the time of the first $1 million commitment to AIAC’s Pacific Partnership Program stated it was “money well spent. The growth will have a significant effect on the province’s economy . . . and that is one of the main goals we set as part of the B.C. Jobs Plan.”
B.C.’s competitive business environment ready for investors, one million job openings
The update report indicated that the government has acted to ensure that B.C. has one of the most competitive business environments for investment and that British Columbians are prepared for the expected one million job openings encompassing all employment sectors over the next decade.
“Our economic success isn’t measured on a monthly basis; success is measured in terms of outcomes over time,” said the report.
David Schellenberg, chair of AIAC Pacific, said the government’s investment in the aerospace industry will not only help accelerate global growth opportunities, but will also provide tremendous benefits to the economy.
KPMG is now conducting a comprehensive economic impact analysis of the B.C. aerospace industry as part of five specific AIAC Pacific activities that include expanding international trade opportunities and building strategies for developing new technologies and heightening competitiveness.
