When Prime Minister Mark Carney told an audience of defence and aerospace executives on May 27 the government was opening negotiations with Saab to procure a fleet of GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, he caught most in the room by surprise.

Word had been circulating for several weeks before CANSEC 2026 that the government would have a major aerospace announcement, but none of the three bidders positioning to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with an AEW&C platform had any forewarning what would be announced.

“We were quite surprised,” Rich Foster, chief executive and vice-president of L3Harris Technologies Canada, told CBC. The company is pitching the AERIS X, built on a Bombardier 6500 business jet airframe.

“We certainly respect Canada’s decision. And whatever they decide in the end we’ll abide by. But we would still like to talk to the government to let them know that if negotiations don’t go well, that we have an alternative solution,” Foster said.

Boeing, which appeared to be the early frontrunner in the competition with its E-7 Wedgetail, an AEW&C platform first built for the Royal Australian Air Force based on a 737 Next Generation, also expressed surprise at the announcement, but pledged to work with the government regardless.

“We’re always going to be responsive to the Canadian Armed Forces’ needs and requirements, so we’ll track [the negotiations] going forward,” Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada, told Skies Plus.

None were more shocked than Saab.

“Zero,” said Jörgen Olsson, campaign director for the GlobalEye in Canada, when asked how much notice the company received.

Saab is always prepared for announcements at trade shows, and has personnel primed to speak if needed, he said, but heads up of Carney’s commitment to negotiate came, “let’s call it one minute ahead, maybe, but not more than that.”

The selection of the GlobalEye sparked immediate debate about NORAD interoperability, datalinks, access to secure networks, and the overall capability of the platform. But NATO’s decision earlier this week at its summit in Ankara, Türkiye, to also initiate formal discussions with Saab for a fleet of up to ten GlobalEye, to replace an aging fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft, likely strengthens Saab’s negotiating position with Canada.

“The GlobalEye, in its basic design, meets NATO requirements,” said Olsson. “We are aware that there … will be systems that belong to a framework of Two Eyes and Five Eyes. Saab is [able to] integrate all these systems” and work with governments when systems are proprietary or require foreign approvals.

The aircraft is designed for networked early warning and command and control operations over sea, land, or Arctic terrain, he added. “You have the datalinks and the integration with ground-based and sea-based assets. For us, the GlobalEye is a pan-domain asset when it comes to performance.”

As to the criticism the platform’s fixed, fin-shaped Erieye radar system lacks a full 360-degree picture, Olsson noted the radar scan extends 450 kilometres to the sides, and can detect target fore and aft, though at far less range.

“There are possibilities, if requested, to install a forward- and aft-looking radar source,” he said.

However the AEW&C requirements evolve during negotiations, it will be with a view to forming a strategic partnership between the government and Saab that ensure the transfer of knowledge and investment in Canadian industry.

“Saab and Bombardier’s expertise is transforming a modern jet into a cutting-edge surveillance aircraft,” Carney said at CANSEC. “The GlobalEye partnership will establish Canadian-based production capability, including aircraft conversion and missionization, engineering collaboration, R&D, and potential participation in radar component production, positioning Canada as an integral part of the GlobalEye global supply chain.”

Anders Carp, Saab’s deputy chief executive officer, called the announcement “the start of a real partnership between the two countries. … For us as a company, the most important thing is, of course, the partnership that we now will forge with Canadian industries. We will provide not just the industry, but also between the two defence forces capabilities and knowledge that will [help] Canada choose [its] own future for the GlobalEye. It will give major roles for Canadian industry, in the present in terms of developing and manufacturing, but also for the sustainment and the MRO of the platform … [and] most importantly, on the innovation and the future roles of the GlobalEye system.”

He noted the recent validation flights of Saab’s LoyalEye airborne early warning radar pods on a General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft uncrewed platform as “an example of the kind of innovation that we can do together with our partners … [This] is a fantastic complement to the GlobalEye, where you can have manned and unmanned teaming on a platform for surveillance, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and so on.”

The Canadian government is also in discussion with the Bombardier to introduce air-to-air refuelling for the Global 6500, the platform on which the GlobalEye is built, something Carp acknowledged but deferred to Bombardier for further explanation.

Olsson said Saab’s approach to industrial collaboration would begin with research and development involving academia and industry “together with the governmental departments, to make sure that we get the added value to the system in the same way that we have done in Sweden for several years.”

At present, Saab is taking a green aircraft from Bombardier and militarizing it in Sweden. But “we are developing opportunities to move as much as possible of that to Canada,” he said.

Discussions with Bombardier and other Canadian companies about what that could look like are preliminary, he added.

One of the reasons for transferring a certain level of intellectual property and establishing a secure supply chain and maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity is a market forecast that projects a demand for approximately 40 GlobalEye over the next five years. NATO’s selection of the aircraft as its preferred option could open doors for additional sales.

To meet that demand, Saab is eyeing Canada as a new production hub.

“We need to strengthen our supply, our delivery pace,” Olsson explained. Saab is increasing the pace of its production line in Sweden, “but it’s not enough for the global need. Therefore, we have said a third of that volume of approximately 40 should [come from] Canada.”

The GlobalEye is part of a larger discussion with Saab that includes Canada’s future fighter jet. The government has yet to release the results of a review on next-generation fighter capability it launched in March 2025, but there is widespread speculation it could opt for a mixed fleet of the Lockheed Martin F-35A and Saab Gripen E.

The AEW&C and Future Fight Capability projects are separate, “but we do meet the same people in the government and in the air force,” acknowledged Stefan Nygren, Saab’s campaign director for the Gripen for Canada.

“Both GlobalEye and Gripen are designed to be fully interoperable, and also [with] NORAD, … working with F-35s, working with other platforms—that’s exactly what both Grippen and GlobalEye are designed for.”

And as with the AEW&C platform, the intent is to establish a Canadian supply chain and assembly line to meet global demand, which is estimated at 350 to 400 aircraft. “To solve that task, we need to have more production than only Sweden and Brazil,” Nygren said.

Whether Canada secures a deal with Saab or returns to the table with Boeing and L3Harris Technologies, the lessons from conflict in Ukraine and elsewhere show the value of an AEW&C platform, Olsson contends. And based on feedback from customers and data gathered from Ukraine and elsewhere, “we have a huge base of information, and we have a growing customer base that the [RCAF] and Canada can take part of for joint development. The bigger the customer base is, the more investments can be done, which gives higher performance for the [RCAF].”

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"Our Space Systems Lab and Terra Nova satellite represent a critical expansion of our launch capabilities. The end-to-end nature of our mission is a strategic imperative. We are just getting started.”— Rahul Goel, CEO"

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, December 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- NordSpace Corp. announced today the official establishment of its new Space Systems Lab (SSL), marking the company’s expansion from launch vehicles and spaceport infrastructure into the development of complete spacecraft and on-orbit sensing capabilities. As the Lab's inaugural program, NordSpace will launch Terra Nova, a self-funded, Canadian-built dual-use defence and commercial demonstration satellite which has been under development for the last year. It is manifested on SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission in 2026 with ExoLaunch.

Terra Nova is the first commercial satellite designed, engineered, integrated, tested, and fully financed by NordSpace at its facilities in Markham. It represents a significant step in the company’s long-term vision of creating a vertically integrated end-to-end space missions company that spans rockets, spacecraft, propulsion, spaceport infrastructure, and data services. The new lab consists of in-house test facilities such as a thermal vacuum chamber, vibration table, ISO5 clean room and more, and is led by several engineers with previous experiences building space systems at MDA Space, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL). The lab will be capable of producing one small satellite per month.

Terra Nova departs from the traditional model of remote sensing satellites that primarily collect raw imagery for later processing. Instead, it is designed to analyze data directly in orbit. The spacecraft hosts an NVIDIA processor running artificial intelligence models trained using synthetic images generated through NordSpace’s proprietary simulation environment. This approach supports the company’s Chronos imaging system and enables the detection of objects and environmental changes that typically remain obscured when using conventional imaging techniques.

The spacecraft’s onboard autonomy will allow it to test artificial intelligence algorithms that detect non-emitting objects in space for space domain awareness (SDA), dark vessels or aircraft operating in and over Canada’s Arctic, and early physical signatures of developing wildfires. These capabilities reflect emerging needs across national security, civil protection, and commercial operations, where faster awareness and reduced latency are becoming essential.

The mission also incorporates Zephyr-EP, an electric propulsion demonstrator designed and manufactured by NordSpace. This system provides Terra Nova with fine-grained maneuverability and serves as NordSpace’s first operational demonstration of in-space propulsion. NordSpace plans to significantly expand its lineup of in-space electric propulsion capabilities over the years ahead and bring them to market.

The creation of the Space Systems Lab reflects NordSpace’s long-term strategy to evolve into a comprehensive space missions provider capable of supporting customers from initial mission design through launch, operations, and data delivery. As the global space industry shifts toward rapid deployment, short development cycles, and vertically integrated services, spacecraft development has become essential to complement traditional launch activities.

Developing satellite capabilities allows NordSpace to diversify its business into areas that are strengthened by launch but not dependent on it. By designing and flying its own spacecraft, the company gains direct operational experience in orbital environments, accelerates technology maturation, and deepens its understanding of how satellites behave under real conditions. This knowledge feeds directly back into its launch vehicle programs, improving vehicle design through dual-use hardware, mission assurance and operational experience, and customer support for users of upcoming orbital launch services.

The combination of launch services, satellite design, and operational expertise positions NordSpace to offer integrated solutions to customers who increasingly prefer end-to-end mission architectures rather than fragmented service contracts. Terra Nova is therefore not only a demonstration mission; it is a foundational step in transforming NordSpace into a full-spectrum space missions company. Terra Nova and other technology demonstrator satellites are intended to serve as pathfinders for a planned constellation of satellites that would operate from Canadian soil.

“Our Space Systems Lab and Terra Nova represent a deliberate and necessary expansion of our capabilities which we have been working on for well over a year,” said Rahul Goel, Chief Executive Officer of NordSpace. “Building spacecraft in parallel with our launch vehicles ensures that we can support customers throughout the entire mission lifecycle while developing real in-space expertise and new business growth opportunities. The most successful space launch companies, ranging from SpaceX to Rocket Lab, distinctly invest in and develop space systems capabilities and private infrastructure, enhanced by their launch capabilities. For the same reason, the end-to-end nature of NordSpace's mission is a strategic imperative, and we are just getting started.”

“Operating our own hardware in orbit is the fastest way to mature technology and understand the demands placed on modern spacecraft,” said Hooman Tahmasebipour, Sr. Space Systems Engineer. “The insights we gain from Terra Nova will flow directly into everything from future satellites to our orbital rockets.”

About NordSpace

NordSpace, established in 2022, develops vertically integrated solutions for responsive orbital launch vehicles, spaceports, turn-key satellites, and mission-critical software systems. 100% designed, built, and flown in Canada to go from anywhere on Earth to anywhere in space. The company’s mission is to advance life on Earth through space, delivering innovation, jobs, national security, and sovereignty.

Click here for original article

"Our Space Systems Lab and Terra Nova satellite represent a critical expansion of our launch capabilities. The end-to-end nature of our mission is a strategic imperative. We are just getting started.”— Rahul Goel, CEO"

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA, December 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- NordSpace Corp. announced today the official establishment of its new Space Systems Lab (SSL), marking the company’s expansion from launch vehicles and spaceport infrastructure into the development of complete spacecraft and on-orbit sensing capabilities. As the Lab's inaugural program, NordSpace will launch Terra Nova, a self-funded, Canadian-built dual-use defence and commercial demonstration satellite which has been under development for the last year. It is manifested on SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission in 2026 with ExoLaunch.

Terra Nova is the first commercial satellite designed, engineered, integrated, tested, and fully financed by NordSpace at its facilities in Markham. It represents a significant step in the company’s long-term vision of creating a vertically integrated end-to-end space missions company that spans rockets, spacecraft, propulsion, spaceport infrastructure, and data services. The new lab consists of in-house test facilities such as a thermal vacuum chamber, vibration table, ISO5 clean room and more, and is led by several engineers with previous experiences building space systems at MDA Space, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL). The lab will be capable of producing one small satellite per month.

Terra Nova departs from the traditional model of remote sensing satellites that primarily collect raw imagery for later processing. Instead, it is designed to analyze data directly in orbit. The spacecraft hosts an NVIDIA processor running artificial intelligence models trained using synthetic images generated through NordSpace’s proprietary simulation environment. This approach supports the company’s Chronos imaging system and enables the detection of objects and environmental changes that typically remain obscured when using conventional imaging techniques.

The spacecraft’s onboard autonomy will allow it to test artificial intelligence algorithms that detect non-emitting objects in space for space domain awareness (SDA), dark vessels or aircraft operating in and over Canada’s Arctic, and early physical signatures of developing wildfires. These capabilities reflect emerging needs across national security, civil protection, and commercial operations, where faster awareness and reduced latency are becoming essential.

The mission also incorporates Zephyr-EP, an electric propulsion demonstrator designed and manufactured by NordSpace. This system provides Terra Nova with fine-grained maneuverability and serves as NordSpace’s first operational demonstration of in-space propulsion. NordSpace plans to significantly expand its lineup of in-space electric propulsion capabilities over the years ahead and bring them to market.

The creation of the Space Systems Lab reflects NordSpace’s long-term strategy to evolve into a comprehensive space missions provider capable of supporting customers from initial mission design through launch, operations, and data delivery. As the global space industry shifts toward rapid deployment, short development cycles, and vertically integrated services, spacecraft development has become essential to complement traditional launch activities.

Developing satellite capabilities allows NordSpace to diversify its business into areas that are strengthened by launch but not dependent on it. By designing and flying its own spacecraft, the company gains direct operational experience in orbital environments, accelerates technology maturation, and deepens its understanding of how satellites behave under real conditions. This knowledge feeds directly back into its launch vehicle programs, improving vehicle design through dual-use hardware, mission assurance and operational experience, and customer support for users of upcoming orbital launch services.

The combination of launch services, satellite design, and operational expertise positions NordSpace to offer integrated solutions to customers who increasingly prefer end-to-end mission architectures rather than fragmented service contracts. Terra Nova is therefore not only a demonstration mission; it is a foundational step in transforming NordSpace into a full-spectrum space missions company. Terra Nova and other technology demonstrator satellites are intended to serve as pathfinders for a planned constellation of satellites that would operate from Canadian soil.

“Our Space Systems Lab and Terra Nova represent a deliberate and necessary expansion of our capabilities which we have been working on for well over a year,” said Rahul Goel, Chief Executive Officer of NordSpace. “Building spacecraft in parallel with our launch vehicles ensures that we can support customers throughout the entire mission lifecycle while developing real in-space expertise and new business growth opportunities. The most successful space launch companies, ranging from SpaceX to Rocket Lab, distinctly invest in and develop space systems capabilities and private infrastructure, enhanced by their launch capabilities. For the same reason, the end-to-end nature of NordSpace's mission is a strategic imperative, and we are just getting started.”

“Operating our own hardware in orbit is the fastest way to mature technology and understand the demands placed on modern spacecraft,” said Hooman Tahmasebipour, Sr. Space Systems Engineer. “The insights we gain from Terra Nova will flow directly into everything from future satellites to our orbital rockets.”

About NordSpace

NordSpace, established in 2022, develops vertically integrated solutions for responsive orbital launch vehicles, spaceports, turn-key satellites, and mission-critical software systems. 100% designed, built, and flown in Canada to go from anywhere on Earth to anywhere in space. The company’s mission is to advance life on Earth through space, delivering innovation, jobs, national security, and sovereignty.

Click here for original article

March 31, 2025

WASHINGTON — Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) submitted the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) to President Trump and Congress. The NTE is an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters and USTR’s efforts to reduce those barriers.

“No American President in modern history has recognized the wide-ranging and harmful foreign trade barriers American exporters face more than President Trump,” said Ambassador Greer. “Under his leadership, this administration is working diligently to address these unfair and non-reciprocal practices, helping restore fairness and put hardworking American businesses and workers first in the global market.”

The findings of the 2025 NTE underscore President Trump’s America First Trade Policy and the President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda.

To read the 2025 NTE, click here.

The NTE is an annual report due to the President and Congress by March 31 of each year. USTR works closely with other government agencies and U.S. embassies and solicits comments from the public through a Federal Register Notice to prepare the NTE.

The annual report is submitted in accordance with Section 181 of the Trade Act of 1974, as added by Section 303 of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 and amended by Section 1304 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, Section 311 of the Uruguay Round Trade Agreements Act, and Section 1202 of the Internet Tax Freedom Act.

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Bombardier Press Release | November 25, 2024

Bombardier Defense celebrated the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the United States Army in support of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.  

Bolstered by the Global 6500’s high-performance capabilities, the fixed-wing platform will contribute to strengthening the U.S. Army’s aerial deep sensing abilities and marks a significant milestone toward the United States’ goal of modernizing its aerial military intelligence.  

Joined by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), State of Kansas officials, and U.S. Army leaders, the celebration highlighted the delivery of the first prototype airframe for the next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solution and the beginning of the next stage of the program to integrate systems.  

“Bombardier Defense is honoured to support the U.S. Army with the delivery of the first Global 6500 aircraft, a high-performance platform that possesses the speed, endurance-at-range and altitude capabilities to support deep-sensing for the Army of tomorrow,” said Steve Patrick, vice-president of Bombardier Defense.  

“This best-in-class jet is the future-proofed solution to provide the U.S. Army with the capabilities needed to face current and future threats.”  

“We are proud of the partnership with Bombardier Defense and the mission-focused professionals in the State of Kansas. We remain excited about the opportunities we can unlock by pairing the performance, versatility and reliability of the Global 6500 with modern payloads aligned to priority intelligence requirements. HADES is the centerpiece of the Army’s collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life. This aircraft gives us the range, payload capacity, speed and endurance to deliver timely, relevant and responsive capabilities for the full spectrum of Army and Joint collection requirements,” said Andrew Evans, director, HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force  

“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS).  

“The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance and help keep our country safe. This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”  

Fixed-wing platforms like Bombardier’s Global 6500 aircraft, which flies faster, longer, and higher than legacy airborne sensor platforms, offer a significant advantage toward enhancing performance of aerial ISR missions.  

The Global 6500 provides several advantages for military entities, such as reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas.  

With a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours, and up to 750 flight hours between maintenance intervals, and part of the Global family that has an impressive 99.83 percent dispatch reliability, the Global 6500 aircraft is an ideal choice to accomplish operational objectives such as deep sensing.     

Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams available 24/7 worldwide with the ability to incorporate modifications tailored to the customer’s need with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. 

Bombardier brings decades of experience working with special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators to adapt its proven platform for critical operations worldwide.     

This press release was prepared and distributed by Bombardier. 

Click here for original press release

Horizon Aircraft, an innovative aerospace engineering company specializing in eVTOL technology, has announced the appointment of Tom Brassington as its new Chief Technology Officer. Brassington, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Head of System Design Engineering at Lilium, another leading eVTOL developer, is set to join Horizon Aircraft at the end of October 2024.

Brassington’s Expertise to Drive Innovation

With 17 years of experience in aerospace systems engineering, Brassington’s leadership and technical skills are expected to significantly enhance Horizon Aircraft’s engineering capabilities. Furthermore, his deep understanding of the eVTOL industry will help streamline development processes and foster innovation within the company.

Focus on Cavorite X7 Development

Brassington’s expertise in eVTOL certification will be particularly valuable as Horizon Aircraft moves towards the production of its Cavorite X7, a piloted seven-seat hybrid electric eVTOL. This aircraft has been designed to meet the demands of potential customers in various sectors, including medevac, business aviation, and commercial cargo.

Leadership’s Enthusiasm

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, expressed his excitement about Brassington joining the team. He highlighted Brassington’s unique experience in navigating the challenges of eVTOL aircraft development and certification, emphasizing the value he brings to Horizon Aircraft.

Brassington’s Confidence in Horizon Aircraft

Brassington also shared his optimism about joining Horizon Aircraft. He acknowledged the competitive nature of the eVTOL market but expressed confidence in Horizon Aircraft’s potential for success. He cited the company’s operational focus, realistic concept, and experienced team as key factors that differentiate it from its competitors.

Cavorite X7: A Game-Changer in eVTOL

Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7 is designed to redefine the eVTOL landscape. With an estimated gross weight of 5,500 lbs and a useful load of 1,500 lbs, the aircraft boasts impressive specifications. It has a projected maximum speed of 250 miles per hour and an average range of over 500 miles with fuel reserves. Horizon Aircraft believes that, if licensed for commercial use, the Cavorite X7 would be ideal for various applications, including medical evacuation, critical supply delivery, disaster relief, and special military missions. Additionally, the company envisions the aircraft playing a crucial role in Regional Air Mobility, facilitating the movement of both people and cargo over distances ranging from 50 to 500 miles.

Hybrid Electric Power: A Unique Advantage

Unlike many other eVTOLs, the Cavorite X7 features a hybrid electric power system. This innovative design allows the aircraft to recharge its batteries in-flight when flying in a traditional aircraft configuration, as well as post-flight, with a recharge time of under 30 minutes.

Innovation and Safety at the Forefront

Horizon Aircraft’s groundbreaking approach and technology enable the Cavorite X7 to fly 98% of its mission in a low-drag configuration similar to a conventional aircraft. This design choice not only enhances safety but also simplifies the certification process compared to other radical eVTOL designs. The hybrid electric system further bolsters safety by providing significant system redundancy. The company is actively testing a 50%-scale aircraft to mitigate technical risks as it progresses towards the development of its full-scale aircraft.

Parting Thoughts

The appointment of Tom Brassington as Chief Technology Officer marks a significant milestone for Horizon Aircraft. His extensive experience and proven track record in the eVTOL industry will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in accelerating the development and certification of the Cavorite X7.

As Horizon Aircraft continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the eVTOL space, Brassington’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s continued success.

The future of electric aviation looks promising, and Horizon Aircraft, with its talented team and groundbreaking technology, is poised to be at the forefront of this exciting revolution.

For more information:

To learn more about Horizon Aircraft’s innovative technology, visit their website here.

To read the original article, click here.

After its very first year as a Boeing  Commercial Airplanes Tier 1 supplier, Shimco has earned a spot in the prestigious Boeing Premier Bidder Program.

Cambridge, Ontario, April 11, 2024 – Shimco, an award-winning, world-wide leader in the manufacture of precision parts, gap-management solutions and metal surface treatments, has once again proven its capability of superior quality, delivery and service, being awarded a position on the coveted Boeing Premier Bidder Program, after its very first year as a Boeing Commercial Airplanes Tier 1 supplier.

This program recognizes consistently high-performing Boeing Commercial Airplanes suppliers, strengthening Boeing’s commitment to first-pass quality.

Members of the Premier Bidder Program receive visibility of upcoming bids, additional consideration in proposal evaluation and access to exclusive Boeing events.

Shimco manufactures solid and peelable shims, spacers and small machined parts for a majority of Boeing commercial airplane programs.
 
“It’s truly an honour for Shimco to earn a spot on this coveted list of Tier 1 suppliers.  Our team at Shimco made sure that Boeing, from day one, received the same level of dedication and support that all of our customers receive.  I am also extremely pleased with the level of support that the team members at Boeing provided during our onboarding process and in our first year as a direct supplier to Boeing.  That incredible level of support continues to this day”, noted Peter Voss, Shimco's CEO. Voss continued, “We look forward to more opportunities in working with Boeing, from both our expanded operations in Cambridge, Ontario and our new facility in Casablanca, Morocco.”
 
Shimco joins approximately 130 suppliers around the globe that have met or sustained the high-quality, delivery and performance criteria for inclusion in the Premier Bidder Program.

About Shimco

Shimco is an award-winning, world-leader in the manufacture of high-precision standard and custom aerospace-grade shims, shim materials, precision machined parts, metal surface treatments and wireless sensors for the DPHM market space. Serving the OEM, Tier 1, Tier 2 and MRO aerospace, space and defense markets, Shimco is the #1 aerospace gap management solutions supplier in Canada and Latin America and soon to be the only best-cost supplier of these parts in Europe. A majority of the world’s aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers buy from Shimco.
 
Our commitment to quality, on-time delivery, lean manufacturing, our employees, customer support, the environment, ethical business practices, local and national community support and financial strength is unparalleled. Shimco is AS9100D certified, Canadian Controlled Goods registered (ITAR compliant), Joint Certification Program registered and Nadcap®accredited.
 
Canadian Headquarters are in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario, and in a new production facility in Casablanca, Morocco (2025).
 
Visit: www.shimco.com

• Canadian-built capability, interoperability— Canadian aerospace and defence companies already have advanced technological capabilities, the industrial footprint and record of innovation needed to create, build and maintain the next generation of multi-mission aircraft for the RCAF that are seamlessly interoperable with our global allies.

• Jobs and economic growth—A built-in-Canada solution means supporting and adding good-paying Canadian jobs and championing domestic industrial growth for decades to come—something a sole-source foreign-built option cannot guarantee.  

• Global market opportunities—Canadian aerospace and defence companies already compete and win on the world stage; a competitive CMMA procurement gives us the chance to innovate the next generation of multi-mission aircraft and leverage significant and growing export opportunities to global allies. 

Read our joint letter here.

Free Webinar: SME Innovation, Opportunities for Financing and Talent Support – Featuring Mitacs
Sudipa Chatterjee and Ahmed Tanashi, Mitacs Advisors, will be joining DAIR to share how they can support Aerospace SMEs interested in working with universities and colleges to further innovation at their organization.

This free webinar is open to anyone; please feel free to share the registration link and details with your colleagues and network.
REGISTER NOW

Key Highlights:

1. Updated 2025 objectives reflect strong execution and confidence in business fundamentals
2. Consistent progress on all key objectives since 2020
3. Stronger balance sheet and robust cash generation
4. Maintaining the leadership position in the industry
5. Bombardier Defense set to grow to a greater than $1 billion business in the second half of the decade
6. Aftermarket and Certified Pre-owned businesses continue to drive growth and diversification

 The link to today’s Investor Day webcast (recording), as well as the full presentation (PDF format) are available here: Bombardier | Investor Day 2023

Pictured above is Brad Bourne, CEO of FTG, and Shaun Chen, the MP for Scarborough North.

To read this article in French, click here.

The CCAA is offering two exciting wage subsidy programs to qualifying Canadian aviation and aerospace employers:

The CCAA’s Student Work Placement (SWP) program helps post-secondary students get relevant work experience they need to prepare for jobs in aviation and aerospace.  Employers can receive wage subsidies of up to $7,500 per student work term placements. To learn more about SWP, please contact:

Gabriel Séguin

Email: gseguin@avaerocouncil.ca

Phone: 613-727-8272 ext. 236.

CCAA Jumpstart is a limited-time program that offers employers up to $12,000 in wage subsidies when they hire new graduates and give them their first meaningful work experience. The program is open to all new aviation and aerospace graduates, with a focus on young women and underrepresented youth. To learn more about Jumpstart, please contact:

Chidimma ikwueto

Email: cikwueto@avaerocouncil.ca

Phone: 613-727-8277 ext. 255

Important! CCAA Jumpstart has only 50 placements remaining for this year!

Placements are limited and available on a first-come basis!

• Net proceeds to Bombardier of ~$3.6 billion, including ~$600 million in Alstom shares.
• Proceeds strengthen liquidity and will allow the Company to begin debt paydown;Pro-forma net debt as of December 31, 2020 ~$4.7 billion.
• Completes Bombardier’srepositioning as a pure-play business jet company.

Stated Éric Martel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc.:   “With this transaction now complete, Bombardier begins an exciting new chapter focused exclusively on designing, building and servicing the world’s best business jets.

“With an unmatched product portfolio, a world class customer services network and incredibly talented employees, we have a strong foundation to build upon as we use the proceeds from the transaction to begin addressing our balance sheet challenges through debt paydown.”

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Food banks offer critical support to underserved and marginalized communities every day of the year, but the pandemic has created an even greater need. There has been a 200% increase in new clients using food banks, of which 76% report that they began accessing food banks as a result of economic impacts of COVID-19.

At AirStart, we well understand the far-reaching hardships of COVID-19. Our industry, like so many others, has been severely impacted during this unprecedented time.

We also know that we have the ability to make real change when we come together as a community, which is what we are asking of you today.

AirStart will match every donation, dollar for dollar, to a maximum total donation of $20,000. If we hit our maximum donation, it means that 40,000 meals will be served to people in need!

Thank you for helping us help others. Donations of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt. If you require food support, please contact 211 to be connected with a food program in your neighbourhood or you can call Daily Bread at 416-203-0050 for Daily Bread's agency network food programs.

More information is available by linking here

In a new opinion piece in the Financial Post, Philippe Balducchi head of Airbus Canada and CEO of Airbus Canada Limited Partnership lays out the case for why Canada’s aviation industry, and the economy that depends on it, is at risk.  

Click here for an additional media story featuring Philippe Balducchi in the Globe and Mail.

Explainable AI (XAI) or “explainability” attempts to illuminate how neural networks – complex constructions that mimic the human brain – reach their decisions.  The lack of understanding around AI’s decision-making process has hampered the widespread adoption of AI.

In response to this industry-wide impasse, DarwinAI created an explainability platform for deep learning development powered by its proprietary technology, GenSynth Explain. In addition to improving neural network efficiencies, the platform can dramatically reduce the time it takes to produce robust and accurate models through the insights it generates.

“Explainability is a critical challenge in our industry. Understanding how a neural network makes its decisions is important in constructing robust AI solutions that our customers can trust,” said Lee Ritholtz, director and chief architect of applied artificial intelligence at Lockheed Martin. “We look forward to working with the DarwinAI team to identify projects across our enterprise where their explainability technology can be applied.”

“Negotiating AI’s black box problem in a practical, actionable manner is a key focus for us this year,” said Sheldon Fernandez, CEO, DarwinAI. “Our collaboration with a leader in the aerospace industry such as Lockheed Martin underscores the importance of trustworthy AI solutions. We look forward to this important collaboration.”

DarwinAI has been recognized for its industry-leading research and scholarship. The company was named a cool vendor in Gartner’s October 2019 Cool Vendors in Enterprise AI Governance and Ethical Response report. CB Insights also recently named DarwinAI a “high-momentum startup” in its “Game Changing Startups 2020” research report in the “AI transparency” category, and also selected Darwin for its AI 100, CB Insights’ annual list of the 100 most promising private AI companies in the world.

About DarwinAI

DarwinAI, the explainable AI company, enables enterprises to build AI they can trust. Founded by renowned academics at the University of Waterloo, DarwinAI’s Generative Synthesis technology allows enterprises to build AI they can trust.  Based on years of distinguished scholarship, the company’s patented explainability technology accelerates advanced deep learning design. To learn more about DarwinAI, visit their website at www.darwinai.com or follow them @darwinAI on Twitter.

Media Contact
Kelly Pritchard 
kelly@darwinai.ca

READ FULL ARTICLE ON SKIES MAG:

https://www.skiesmag.com/news/aiac-survey-aerospace-revenue-covid-19/

Canadian aerospace companies are anticipating a 40 per cent decrease in revenue this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The startling projection is among the preliminary finds of a membership survey recently conducted by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC).

The aerospace sector was in good health before the virus spread, and most companies had a sizeable backorder, said Moira Harvey, executive director of the Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC), which represents over 200 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and several Tier 1 manufacturers.

“Production numbers are way down from what we were enjoying prior to COVID,” she said, noting that even with the trials of the Boeing 737 Max, monthly single aisle production was strong.

“If we are fortunate, we’re looking at half those numbers moving forward, and that’s not going to be immediate. It’s going to work its way back up to that. Obviously, that has a domino effect within the supply chain,” she said. “[We] are looking at reduced production requirements and therefore having to adjust capacity.”

Founded in 1969, MDA is Canada's largest space technology developer and manufacturer, with over 1,900 employees across the country. Through a strong collaboration and partnership with the Government of Canada that spans several decades, MDA has delivered world-leading, iconic technologies such as the Canadarm family of space robotics for the U.S. Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station and three generations of RADARSAT Earth observation satellites for the Canadian Government.

NPC, led by John Risley and Andrew Lapham, has appointed Mike Greenley as Chief Executive Officer of MDA.  "I am very proud to lead MDA at such a pivotal moment in this great company's history," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA. "It is inspiring to be associated with such eminent Canadian business leaders who share in a vision to turn MDA into a global powerhouse."

"MDA is truly a made-in-Canada success story with global growth potential resulting from its industry-leading technologies across multiple segments of the growing space sector," said John Risley. "We are excited to roll up our sleeves with MDA leadership to help shape its future evolution and expansion."

As a stand-alone company, MDA is one of the largest independent suppliers of space components and systems in the world, enabling it to be a merchant supplier to international prime contractors and partner to governments around the globe who are investing in and growing their space programs.

"We are open for business," added Greenley. "As a space company with a big Canadian flag on our backpack and decades of experience in the space sector building first-of-a-kind space systems, our ability to partner and collaborate will be unmatched."

The NPC-led consortium has acquired all of MDA's operations across Canada and the UK. The transaction value was CAD$1 billion and was financed with a combination of equity and debt. Equity was provided by NPC and certain of its limited partners, as well as several leading investors including Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Jim Balsillie, Bulldog Capital Partners, Albion River, Nicola Wealth and Senvest Capital along with funds managed by Senvest Management. NPC was advised on the transaction by Bank of Montreal and Scotiabank. Scotiabank and Bank of Montreal also led the senior debt financing, and PointNorth Capital and Canso Investment Counsel provided the junior debt.

About Northern Private Capital
Northern Private Capital is a Toronto-based private investment firm focused on making opportunistic, long-term investments in partnership with great management teams. NPC invests in proven businesses with high growth potential driven by unique, proprietary technology across a broad spectrum of industries. NPC is currently investing from its inaugural flagship fund which includes commitments from world-class entrepreneurs, including a significant commitment from John Risley.

About MDA
Founded in 1969, MDA is one of Canada's most successful technology companies and an internationally recognized leader in space robotics and sensors, radar satellites and ground systems, communication satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems and geospatial imagery products and analytics. With a deep and diverse technology base, MDA's global reach and heritage serving government and commercial space and defence markets with innovative and iconic solutions is unparalleled. MDA operates from locations in Brampton, Richmond, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com. 

SOURCE MDA For further information: Andrew Lapham, alapham@npcapital.com, 416-925-6609; Leslie Swartman, leslie.swartman@mdacorporation.com, 613-608-4845

Related Links

https://mdacorporation.com/

Funded by the Federal Government (Employment and Social Development Canada, ESDC), the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) supports partnerships between employers and post-secondary education institutions to create more work-integrated learning placements for students enrolled in post-secondary studies across Canada. The Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) is the partner selected by ESDC to deliver the program for the aviation and aerospace sector.

 Employers could receive wage subsidies of up to 50% of the wage cost for each work term placement (up to a maximum of $5,000 per placement) and up to 70% (up to a maximum of $7,000 per work term placement) for first-year students and/or under-represented groups including, women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities and recent immigrants (i.e. permanent residents).

The CCAA is pleased to announce that we still have SWPP funding available for the following semesters:

·      Winter 2020 (employment starting as early as January 1^st, 2020)

·      Spring/Summer 2020

NEW!   The CCAA now has limited funding available for:

·      Part-time and full-time students registered in programs other than STEM and business

·      Part-time work placements

 To apply, please review/complete the forms below:

·      Employer form: https://www.avaerocouncil.ca/en/swilp

·      Student form: https://www.avaerocouncil.ca/en/swilp-student

·      Eligibility criteria:http://www.avaerocouncil.ca/sites/default/files/eligibility_criteria_-_jan2020.pdf

·      Work-Integrated Learning can include co-op placements, internships, field placements, or applied projects to solve particular problems for employers; 
See the list of approved work placement types:https://www.avaerocouncil.ca/sites/default/files/approved_work_placement_types_-_en.pdf

 Important Update: ESDC has updated the guidelines of the program such that the funding would only be provided to employers demonstrating a net increase in the number of placements offered per year. By establishing a Net New Placement baseline, the funding is expected to motivate employers to hire a higher number of students than previous years. Only applications for work placements exceeding the baseline number will be considered. For instance, if your organization indicates a baseline of 5 placements, the CCAA would fund as of the 6^th placement and upwards.

As this year’s conference centers on the imperative for allied nations to pool their innovation efforts to maintain technological superiority in the current era of great power competition, two distinguished panels will discuss Allied Innovation Cooperation, and, more specifically, How to Win the Innovation Contest. The conference will also feature a special appearance by Silicon Valley’s Steve Blank – considered to be the father of modern entrepreneurship  – who will join us via a virtual fireside chat to discuss the origins of the lean startup movement and how it came to be a source of mission-driven entrepreneurship via programs like Hacking for Defense and Hacking for Allies. 

The annual conference is part of Washington Defense Week 2020, running from April 1 through 8, featuring a host of Norwegian-American defense-industrial and security policy events. Stay tuned for program updates to Washington Defense Week 2020 here: https://www.nadic.us/washington-defense-week

Toronto, March 5, 2020

AirStart has landed on Deloitte Canada's Best Managed Companies list for the fifth straight year, repeating the distinguished Golf Standard status achieved last year:

"Our ongoing success owes much to our entrepreneurial culture.  We know how to adapt and can therefore seize opportunities quickly to meet the changing needs of our partners in this fast-moving industry."
-Rob Wills, CEO and Founder, AirStart

This award caps off another outstanding year for the aviation company, whose innovative Rapid Exchange (RX) rotable parts  support model saves commercial airlines, business et owners and trading partners around the world both time and money.

Anne Vinet, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, attributes AirStart’s continuing upward trajectory to the integrity of its relationships:

“Our ability to forge solid, long-term partnerships is our greatest strength. And that comes from a deep sense of commitment to our partners, and a willingness to get it done 24-7-365. Aviation is exciting because it is continuously changing. AirStart is too, as our recent move to serve the business aviation market demonstrates.”

About Best Managed Companies

Established in 1993, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues of more than $25 million.

Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.

About AirStart

AirStart provides critical maintenance support to airlines, repair stations and trading partners around the world.

Every day, AirStart helps airlines around the world avoid the multiple negative consequences of grounded aircraft through its innovative Rapid Exchange (RX) program. Rapid Exchange (RX) allows commercial airlines and business jet operators to exchange unserviceable parts for replacement components, immediately and at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new parts outright.

Supplying consumable and rotable parts for practically every commercial aircraft in the sky, AirStart can be credited with helping thousands of passengers avoid equipment‑related delays and helping the aviation industry in Canada and beyond continue to prosper through its efficient, cost-cutting services.

As an accepted vendor at over 500 aviation-buying entities, AirStart has credit terms with every single component supplier globally and is AS9120B certified and an accredited ASA member. AirStart adheres to the highest quality standards in existence in the aerospace industry. For more information, please visit www.airstart.com.

The Northern Lights Aero Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 12th Annual Awards Program.

Each year, the national not-for-profit foundation honours outstanding Canadian women who have made a significant contribution to aviation or aerospace, and who continue to lay the groundwork for other women to enter or excel in these industries.

The nomination submission deadline is March 31, 2020.

Visit our website to access the nomination form and see the video below for more information about our Awards Program.

The Nomination deadline is quickly approaching and we want to make sure we are supporting you in the nomination process. Here is a video that talks about six tips to put together a great nomination.

Video Link