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Aéro Montréal, Quebec’s aerospace cluster, warmly welcomes the new Quebec aerospace strategy unveiled by the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard, and the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and minister responsible for the digital strategy, Dominique Anglade. The announcement was made May 30 at the École nationale d’aérotechnique in Saint-Hubert.
“We are making a true leap forward today for the benefit of the entire Quebec aerospace chain,” said 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 Quebec aerospace strategy will provide clear and long-term direction to Quebec’s objectives in terms of developing the aerospace industry. Quebec 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 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their development; and
• 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,” said 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 Quebec aerospace cluster 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 Quebec.
