New study reveals that 8,300 British Columbians work in the growing industry

BC’s aerospace industry is receiving a big boost in research and marketing according to industry and government leaders that participated in the Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo (ADSE), August 6-7, 2015 in Abbotsford, BC.

“BC’s aerospace industry shows strong potential to continue growing as a driver of our economy,” stated Jay Teichroeb, Vice President, AIAC Pacific. A new study shows that the industry employs 8,300 British Columbians and generates $2.4 billion annually. The study also identifies the province’s capabilities so that they can be better marketed.

It was also announced that $7.3 million is being invested in five BC aerospace research projects. Three projects will focus on green aviation technology; Waterfall Group, Nebula UAV Systems, and NORAM Engineering and Constructors will lead them. The other two research projects involve aircraft design and measuring pilot fatigue. Asco Aerospace, Avcorp Industries, Conair Group and Convergent Manufacturing Technologies will conduct the research with Camosun College and the University of British Columbia.

Four other companies announced major initiatives:

Brican Automated Systems – Will begin Canada’s first anti-submarine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program in Nanoose Bay; Will work with Peregrine Aerial Surveys on a mapping system across Canada.

KF Aerospace – Has launched an airfreight service from Moncton to Brussels

OMX – Has launched a business proposal ‘match making’ program for 45,000 Canadian businesses seeking defence-related contracts

UrtheCast – Has acquired a Spanish firm; Is establishing a network of 16 satellites to provide unprecedented information about Earth

Additional information is available at: www.ADSE.ca.

About ADSE

ADSE is western Canada’s premier event for the aerospace, defence and security sectors, with a focus on industry and government. Approximately 170 companies and 400 participants are attending this year’s event. The expo is hosted by AIAC Pacific, the British Columbia division of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, which represents Canada’s aerospace industry. Canada has the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry (www.aiacpacific.ca).