WHAT ’ S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ?
A BIRD ’ S-EYE VIEW OF THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN WESTERN CANADA
BY : MIKE MUELLER PRESIDENT AND CEO , AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
The aerospace industry in western
Canada plays a significant role in both national and global aerospace supply chains . A key factor in the continued success and growth of the aerospace industry in western Canada has been the region ’ s highly skilled workforce and its geographical advantages , which are supported by robust higher education establishments that focus on aerospace-related disciplines .
A key advantage of the aerospace industry in western Canada is its proximity to the USA Northwest , which is a major hub for Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ). This geographical closeness enhances collaboration and facilitates efficient supply chain operations between western Canadian aerospace companies and their counterparts in the United States . The collaborative efforts with OEMs have led to the development and production of cutting-edge aerospace technologies , as well as diverse capabilities , including :
» aircraft manufacturing ; » design and construction of major airframe structures for some of the world ’ s leading aircraft companies ;
» precision machining facilities , specializing in machining of medium to large complex structural aircraft components ;
» world-leading aerial suppression and firefighting services ;
» specialty aerospace and defence integrated aircraft support programs ; » 3D visualization problem solving ; » design and manufacture of high lift devices , assemblies and major functional components ; » global leading surveillance and intelligence , satellite subsystems , robotics , and geospatial services ; and
» numerous small businesses that provide specialized products and services to the national and global aerospace industry .
62 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2024