Montréal, May 30, 2016 — Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, warmly welcomes the new Québec aerospace strategy unveiled by the Premier of Québec, Philippe Couillard, and the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade. The announcement was made this morning at the École nationale d’aérotechnique in Saint-Hubert.
"We are making a true leap forward today for the benefit of the entire Québec aerospace chain,” says Suzanne M. Benoît, President of Aéro Montreal. “The aerospace strategy is a very important initiative by our government and its development was made possible by the collaboration of many players in the aerospace ecosystem.”
The Québec aerospace strategy will provide clear and long-term direction to Québec’s objectives in terms of developing the aerospace industry. Québec must have a strong aerospace strategy. Through industry consultations, four priorities have been established:
- Strengthening and diversifying the structure of the industry;
- Fostering industry growth by supporting projects and investing in the workforce;
- Supporting SMEs in their development;
- Investing in innovation.
“Supporting companies in transitioning to industry 4.0 and backing initiatives such as MACH FAB 4.0 or the greener aircraft catalyst project, training the workforce to meet future challenges and automation, attracting large companies, and consolidating our SMEs to make them Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies, are challenges that are at the heart of the new strategy,” explains Ms. Benoît.
The MACH FAB 4.0 Initiative will support 50 SMEs in the aerospace sector in their transition to becoming digital companies of the future. A contribution of $9.5 million over five years, to which is added an equivalent contribution from the private sector, is planned by the Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation.
The Québec aerospace cluster is among the best in the world. It generated sales of $15.5 billion in 2015. The industry represents more than 40,000 employees and 190 companies, including 177 SMEs. The entire industry is therefore pleased that the government views aerospace as a strategic sector for the development of Québec.
About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions.
Aéro Montréal’s mission is to engage Québec's aerospace cluster with a view to increasing its growth and expansion on the global scene. Its vision is to become a benchmark in global aerospace. To this end, it champions the following values: excellence, commitment, collaboration, integrity, agility and boldness.
