Canadian aerospace sector gets a new vision

Paris in June is warm. During the month, the City of Lights hosts countless tourists from around the world, and they roam freely along the Rue de Rivoli, under Eiffel’s tower, and into the many museums and galleries.

While I was there to take in the pageantry of the French Open tennis tournament at Rolland-Garros, the city also hosts an important show for Canada’s aerospace sector during this time: the International Paris Air Show.

This show, held every two years at the Le Bourget Airport, is the largest aerospace exhibition in the world and routinely attracts more than 300,000 visitors. It is, by far, the sector’s most important event.

On this year’s opening day, former Deputy Prime Minister Jean Charest unveiled the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada’s (AIAC) Vision 2025 report.

While the report predicts growth, it also points to several challenges, including global competition.

“Global competition has never been tougher, and we’re at a turning point where Canada must step up or risk being left behind,” said Charest. “Canadian aerospace plays a major role in the economic health of our nation. Our industry has achieved many accomplishments, but that did not happen by accident. It happened because government and industry shared a vision, worked and invested together. We need to renew that commitment today.”

The report recommends six key priorities for the industry:

1. Build the most skilled and talented workforce in the world.
2. Ensure Canadian aerospace SMEs thrive.
3. Innovate into growth areas, such as carbon-neutral flight and unmanned vehicles.
4. Make investments to maintain Canada’s status as a world-class regulator.
5. Leverage the nation’s role at the forefront of space.
6. Maximize defence procurement and government partnerships to drive new industrial growth.

While all of these recommendations are important, No. 6 is vital.

Government and industry must work together, or they risk losing our nation’s leadership position. Manufacturing employment in the sector has dropped by 5 per cent and its contributions to GDP have deteriorated by 4 per cent, all since 2012.

To maintain its currently lofty position in the world rankings -- first in civil flight simulation, third in civil engine production, and fourth in civil aircraft production – the sector needs to do some work. It’s simply too important of an industry to lose.