Calgary, typically recognized for its oil and gas sector, is quietly nurturing a burgeoning aerospace and defense industry. The city currently hosts 158 companies in this sector, contributing $3.1 billion to the province’s GDP in 2024, as reported by Calgary Economic Development.
Jeff LaFrenz, President of VizWorX, highlighted the significant aerospace and defense activities underway, often overlooked due to the overshadowing energy industry. This week, a new initiative in Calgary, supported by Boeing, Ottawa, and Calgary Economic Development, aims to accelerate the commercialization of Canadian defense technologies and facilitate local companies in securing new clients in the field.
Boeing is obligated to invest in Canadian aerospace and defense under a contract with Ottawa for replacing aging maritime patrol aircraft. This initiative is anticipated to be the first of several “Alberta-focused announcements” by Boeing, according to a company spokesperson.
In a year marked by numerous commercial aviation advancements, WestJet, headquartered in Calgary, placed its largest aircraft order. Lufthansa Technik also announced a substantial agreement to construct an aircraft maintenance facility at Calgary airport, while CAE disclosed plans for a 126,000 square foot aviation training facility in the city. De Havilland Canada is set to commence construction on a 1,500-acre aircraft manufacturing facility near Calgary, positioning it as the company’s new head office.
Nicole Holinaty, from HeavyAero, emphasized the industry’s overlap between commercial and defense sectors, expressing optimism that the Boeing initiative will help navigate the complexities of entering the defense market. The initiative also aims to bridge industry gaps, repurposing technologies between sectors such as energy and defense.
While Calgary is making strides in the aerospace sector, Neil Sweeney, Vice President of De Havilland Canada, raised concerns about human resources as many engineers are nearing retirement. Montreal currently leads as Canada’s aerospace hub, with Calgary steadily ascending the national ranks, according to aviation expert John Gradek.
Gradek stressed the need for specialized post-secondary training to cultivate a new generation of aerospace professionals to fuel sector growth. With increased defense spending commitments from Ottawa and a focus on Canadian industrial benefits, optimism surrounds the sector’s expansion, with Calgary poised to claim a larger share of the aerospace and defense market.
LaFrenz of VizWorX sees a promising opportunity for Alberta to rally around aerospace and defense, positioning the province to compete on a global scale.