Aéro Montréal and Quebec’s Aerospace Industry at the Heart of the Sustainable Transformation of its Supply Chain
First in-person event in Montréal in over a year for aerospace industry stakeholders
Montreal, October 26, 2021 – Aéro Montréal today presents the second segment of the 6th edition of the Aerospace Global Supply Chain Summit, under the theme “Shaping the Future of a More Sustainable Supply Chain.” This event is a must-attend opportunity for stakeholders from Quebec’s, Canada’s, and Europe’s aerospace ecosystems to discuss post-pandemic issues and strategies to ensure the sustainable recovery of the global supply chain.
The event was launched in the presence of Ms. Kareen Rispal, Ambassador of France to Canada, Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Ms. Michèle Boisvert, Quebec’s Delegate General in Paris. For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, 250 participants gathered at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The Summit, also accessible virtually, enables the participation of numerous aerospace industry members from around the world.
Key topics discussed by industry leaders today include the decarbonization of sector activities, cybersecurity and process digitization, collaborative innovation strategies with startups and innovative SMEs, and solutions to address the significant labor shortage.
“The aerospace sector is already fully committed to accelerating the carbon-neutral transition of its supply chain, an essential step in the development of tomorrow’s eco-efficient aircraft. Quebec has all the assets it needs to become the green lung of the global aerospace industry. To achieve this, we must support our SMEs through this major industrial transformation,” said Suzanne M. Benoît, President and CEO of Aéro Montréal.
During his address, Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon announced funding of $1.23 million to extend Aéro Montréal’s MACH FAB 4.0 initiative until March 31, 2022. This additional timeframe will allow nine aerospace SMEs to continue implementing digital technologies, projects delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to accelerate the digital shift across all sectors of our economy. MACH FAB 4.0 will enable aerospace SMEs to become more competitive, further integrate into global supply chains, and increase their presence in export markets. This is precisely what we want to achieve through the digital transformation of our businesses,” emphasized Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional
Strategic Partnership with Centech
Aéro Montréal and Quebec startup incubator Centech took advantage of the Summit to announce the signing of an agreement to support the ecosystem of startups and innovative SMEs, fostering sustainable innovation within the aerospace supply chain.
“Through this partnership, our two organizations aim to pool their complementary expertise to support the commercialization of cutting-edge green technological solutions born of science and engineering,” added Suzanne M. Benoît.
“With climate challenges, the massive arrival of promising new technologies, and the significant acceleration of innovation cycles, startups are becoming an essential link in the development of established businesses. The aerospace industry is a pillar of Quebec’s economy. Thanks to the collaboration between Centech and Aéro Montréal, this key sector will be better positioned to cover the entire innovation chain, while supporting its transition toward sustainable air mobility in both the development and production of aircraft,” said Richard Chénier, General Manager of Centech.
Developing Digital Skills
To ensure an effective recovery and meet the challenges of tomorrow, the sector must be able to rely on a skilled workforce. In parallel with the Summit, Aéro Montréal, with the support of Services Québec, is also offering an overview of training programs, laboratories, and centers of expertise that will help develop the digital skills of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.
“The events of the past year have highlighted the challenges facing the aerospace sector, particularly those related to recruiting and retaining workers. In the current context, the Aerospace Global Supply Chain Summit is a privileged moment to exchange and take the lead on innovative solutions to address the anticipated labor shortages of the coming years. I want to thank Aéro Montréal for organizing this meeting and for its contribution to the aerospace industry. You are putting in place the means to help our companies remain among the most competitive in the world!” said Jean Boulet, Quebec Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie region.
France, Country of Honor
For this edition of the Summit, Aéro Montréal chose to highlight the deep friendship between Quebec and France, particularly because of their shared history and roots, as well as through their major aerospace companies established on both sides of the Atlantic.
“France and Quebec have always been economic allies, especially in the aerospace sector. Today, Quebec is a world-class hub, with a cluster that has succeeded in innovating by relying on a network of high-performing companies, specialized schools and research centers, and a business environment conducive to companies wishing to set up here. This context will continue to foster the development of strategic partnerships between France and Quebec,” said Nadine Girault, Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides region.
“We are privileged to host the headquarters of Airbus Canada in Quebec, whose team is fully dedicated to the success of the A220 aircraft. We are also proud to maintain strong ties with the Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS) and several other French companies,” declared Suzanne M. Benoît.
This new edition of the Aerospace Global Supply Chain Summit is supported by its long-standing strategic partner, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), as well as Hydro-Québec, also a strategic partner in environmental matters, and powered by two Major Partners, Héroux-Devtek and Inno-Centre. It is also backed by several institutional partners, including the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, Services Québec, and the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie.
About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that brings together senior executives from Quebec’s aerospace sector, including industry, educational institutions, research centers, associations, and unions.
Aéro Montréal’s activities are made possible through the support of the governments of Canada, Quebec, and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, as well as member companies of the cluster.
Media contacts:
Léa Guicheteau, Aéro Montréal – 514-550-7494
Kaven Delarosbil, Aéro Montréal – 514-743-2728 – kaven.delarosbil@aeromontreal.ca