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Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, in collaboration with CRIAQ, the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec, opened the 4th edition of the Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montréal under the theme of Innovation Powering Sustainability for the Aerospace Industry.
In an increasingly competitive industry, where the fight against climate change requires new rules, the Québec aerospace industry is taking advantage of holding this event to reaffirm its position as a leader in innovation as well as its commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout their lifecycle. More than 800 representatives and researchers from the Canadian and international aerospace industry are participating in this important event.
“Already recognized worldwide for its ingenuity and research and development (R&D) capabilities, Québec aerospace has significantly enhanced and accelerated its innovation process over the last decade by bringing together key industry players and members of the research community,” said Maria Della Posta, chair of the board of directors of Aéro Montréal and senior vice president, sales and marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. “The structuring initiatives, arising from the work of the cluster, are fostering the mobilization of OEMs, equipment manufacturers, SMEs, research centres and universities to develop new technologies throughout our value chain.”
“Our industry has worked tirelessly to develop greener aerospace technologies, as demonstrated by the holding of this unique forum,” said Suzanne M. Benoît, president Aéro Montréal. “Members of the cluster are continuing to support strategic programs such as the Greener Aircraft Catalyst Project (SA2GE), funded in part by the Government of Québec, and the Technology Demonstration Program, funded in part by the Government of Canada. These initiatives promote the growth of companies and their integration into future aircraft platforms.”
Patrick Champagne, vice president, Cockpits and Systems Integration, Esterline CMC Electronics Inc. and chair of Aéro Montréal’s Innovation Working Group, whose work led to the holding of the Aerospace Innovation Forum, emphasized the importance of local companies to put innovation at the heart of their critical activities. “From the management of financial resources to the organization of human resources and the production and delivery of products, innovation must be lived daily by SMEs to be able to meet the changing needs of global OEMs. In fact, more than 1000 business meetings between Québec SMEs and major global OEMS have been arranged during the forum.”
Two new initiatives have been launched this year. AéroFormation – “For a world-class labour force,” has identified innovative tools to ensure the continuous training of skilled workers, technicians, engineers and professionals in the aerospace industry. AéroFinancement – “Financing: A Powerful Tool to Boost Innovative Companies,” demonstrated the range of financial services and strategic frameworks available to aerospace companies, such as funding for research, technology demonstrations, infrastructure, operations and support for the expansion and commercialization of advanced technologies.
Aero Montréal wishes to thank the partners of the Aerospace Innovation Forum 2013, and especially its Lead Partner CGI whose new event-driven application has enabled many Forum participants to maximize their agendas, their business meetings and access innovative ideas.
