Québec: Your Partner for Sustainable and Innovative Aerospace
With a delegation consisting of more than 40 companies and organisations, and a reputation as a leading hub for aerospace innovation and excellence, Québec is set to make an impact at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow. Diana Davidovic, the economic affairs attaché at the Québec Government Office in London, reveals the delegation’s plans for the trade show and why a visit to the Québec stand should be on everyone’s itinerary.
With a delegation of over 40 companies and organisations, including more than 80 participants, Québec aims to strengthen its international partnerships and showcase its aerospace expertise at the Farnborough International Airshow. As a leading hub for aerospace innovation and excellence, Québec is an attractive destination for business, investment and collaboration. The delegation features a remarkable mix of innovators and industry leaders, including globally recognised Québec companies operating as integrators, and suppliers. If you would like to learn more about our trade delegation, please click here. This dynamic assembly of suppliers brings together a wealth of unique expertise and innovative solutions, highlighting the strength and diversity of the delegation. Québec’s globally recognised aerospace sector, with Montreal being one of the top three aerospace centres worldwide alongside Seattle and Toulouse.
Québec’s Aerospace Sector: A Global Leader
Québec’s aerospace sector is not only Canada’s top aerospace hub but also one of the world’s largest. This thriving industry contributes 68% of Canada’s aerospace GDP and jobs, making it a vital part of the national economy. With more than 230 aerospace companies, including industry giants like Bombardier, CAE, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Québec boasts a complete support ecosystem. This includes manufacturers, suppliers, research centres, universities, and major international organisations such as IATA and ICAO.
Québec’s aerospace industry is backed by strong public policies and collaborative organisations. The federal and provincial governments provide extensive support to ensure the sector’s long-term growth and resilience. This includes financial assistance for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to help them meet international compliance standards and enhance their competitiveness. Organisations like Aéro Montréal play a crucial role in business development and fostering sustainable aviation technologies through innovation and cross-industry collaboration.
Innovation and R&D: The Heart of Québec
Aerospace Québec is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, with Greater Montreal housing 75% of Canada’s aerospace R&D activities. A significant portion of the sector’s GDP is reinvested in research and development, making it a hub for cutting-edge technologies. The province’s major aerospace companies are some of the biggest R&D investors in Canada, driving advancements in areas like AI, digital design, electric propulsion and lightweight materials that enhance fuel efficiency.
Québec is committed to leading the aerospace industry towards a sustainable future. The province is actively developing and implementing innovative solutions that prioritise environmental responsibility and efficiency. Key efforts include advancements in electric propulsion systems, which significantly reduce carbon emissions and the use of lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency. Moreover, Québec’s aerospace sector is deeply invested in AI technologies, which are being applied to optimise flight operations, enhance predictive maintenance and improve overall operational efficiency. These AI-driven solutions not only boost productivity but also contribute to the industry’s sustainability goals by reducing downtime and minimising resource usage.
New Innovation District in Greater Montreal
To further solidify its position as a leader in aerospace innovation, the Québec government has announced the establishment of a fourth Innovation District in the Greater Montreal area. Named Espace Aéro, this innovation district will be created with a combined investment of $415 million from both public and private sectors. Big players like Boeing have already announced their involvement. Boeing will contribute $240 million, including $110 million for a collaborative R&D centre, $95 million for developing an electric-propelled drone air taxi and $35 million for research on landing gear with Héroux-Devtek.
The new innovation district has been established around the three major airports in the Greater Montreal area. Espace Aéro is set to become a unique hub uniting all stages of the innovation chain in the aerospace sector. This concentration of expertise will position it distinctively on the international stage by prioritising two key areas of development. Firstly, decarbonisation will be achieved through designing more efficient and aerodynamic vehicles, lighter and greener structures and less polluting electric systems. Secondly, autonomous mobility will be enhanced through intelligent technologies and systems, advanced communication, remote control and robust cybersecurity measures.
With these focused efforts, Espace Aéro aims to lead the way in aerospace innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its status as a global leader in the industry.
Join us at the Farnborough International Airshow on Wednesday 24 July, for two insightful panels showcasing Québec’s innovations. At 10am, a panel entitled The new aerospace: Sustainability in design and construction will delve into eco-responsibility in aerospace, moderated by CRIAQ, featuring experts from Aéro Montréal, Héroux-Devtek and the National Research Council Canada. Later, at 1:30pm, learn about the Espace Aéro project and its vision to position Québec as a global leader in sustainable air mobility through collaborative innovation.
AtkinsRéalis’ Strategic Focus on Aviation
Adding to the momentum, AtkinsRéalis, Québec-based design, engineering and project management company, has announced its strategic focus on aviation as part of its growth plan. At this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, AtkinsRéalis is focusing on the future and fostering industry collaborations, including co-hosting an event with the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Airports of Tomorrow initiative. Their team are heavily invested in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Sustainable Aviation, emphasising the importance of collaboration to accelerate the commercialisation of new vehicles, infrastructure and technology, integrating them efficiently with existing city and transport systems. With the WEF Airports of Tomorrow initiative, AtkinsRéalis exemplifies their leadership in mapping and testing a new AAM ecosystem, which is also aligned with the objectives of Québec’s new innovation zon. Additionally, AtkinsRéalis promotes the circular economy in aerospace, advocating for a fundamental re-evaluation of how aircraft are designed, manufactured, recycled and reused to support Net Zero ambitions, thereby reducing the demand on natural resources and extending the operational life of products through repair or remanufacturing.
Québec to Shine at Farnborough International Airshow
Québec’s upcoming participation at the Farnborough Air Show underscores its strategic importance in the aerospace sector. With the support of Québec’s Minister for the Economy, Christopher Skeete, the delegation is co-organised by Investissement Québec International, the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, the Québec Government Office in London, as well as in partnership with Aéro Montréal and Montréal International.
Key Events at Farnborough
The Québec delegation invites you to two major events taking place at Quebec Pavilion (Hall 4, stand 4121) to highlight Quebec’s leadership in sustainable aerospace solutions: Opening of the Québec pavillion on Monday, July 22, at 11:00m.: connect directly with Québec industry leaders and explore opportunities for future collaborations and partnerships.
Innovation Day on Wednesday, July 24:
Morning Session at 10:00a.m.: The new aerospace: Sustainability in design and construction will explore eco-responsibility in aerospace.
Afternoon Session at 1:30p.m.: Espace Aéro: Pooling expertise to make Québec a world leader in sustainable, intelligent air mobility.
To learn more about the Québec companies and organisations present at the event, click here or visit the Espace Québec Hall 4, stand 4121.
