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

Backgrounder

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Bill Blair released Our North, Strong and Free – a defence policy update that responds to the significant global shifts we have witnessed since Canada’s comprehensive defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, was announced in 2017. It is an investment in Canada, Canadians and our shared values, security, and sovereignty.

The most urgent and important task we face is asserting Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic and northern regions, where the changing physical and geopolitical landscapes have created new threats and vulnerabilities to Canada and Canadians. This includes the need to upgrade our continental defences to threats or defeat them when necessary.

Today, the Prime Minister and Minister Blair announced Canada’s vision and its plan to defend Canadians in this new global environment. The new defence policy sets out to address two core objectives: strengthen the foundations of the CAF and acquire new capabilities to deal with new threats.

To deliver on our renewed vision for defence outlined in the policy, we need to provide the members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the tools, equipment, and training they need to keep Canada and Canadians safe in an increasingly unpredictable world, and to support them on the home front.

The new investments in Our North, Strong and Free will ensure that Canada can deliver on this vision. Defence investments in Budget 2024 are expected to bring Canada’s defence spending-to-GDP ratio to 1.76% by 2029-30, a significant step forward in our efforts to reach the NATO commitment of 2% to which we agreed at the Vilnius Summit in 2023. The initiatives under this defence policy also put Canada on track to exceed NATO’s target of 20% for major equipment expenditures as a proportion of defence funding.

Canada will invest $8.1 billion over the next five years, and $73 billion over the next 20 years, in our national defence over six major themes to:

• support our people;
• strengthen our foundations;
• build an innovative industrial base;
• defend Canada;
• defend North America;
• and defend Canada’s global interests and values.
  

Supporting Our People

Supporting CAF Members and Families

• $295 million over 20 years to establish a CAF housing strategy, build new housing, and rehabilitate existing housing so CAF members have safe and affordable places to call home where they and their families are posted.
• $497 million over 20 years to accelerate development of an electronic health record platform to improve the continuity of care as CAF members move between provinces and territories.
  $100 million over five years to improve childcare access for CAF personnel on bases across Canada.

Reforming Personnel Management Policies

• We will explore adjusting personnel policies related to compensation and benefits, human resources, leave, and other supports for work-life balance for those in uniform. Our current framework was put in place decades ago and does not address the expectations and realities of today’s members.

Strengthening our Foundation

Maintaining and Renewing National Defence Infrastructure

• Investing $10.2 billion over 20 years in current and new infrastructure to support the required tempo of training, operations, and day-to-day military activities. These investments will range from asset maintenance and repair to other improvements to military facilities, such as piers and runways.
  

Civilian Capacity

• $1.8 billion over 20 years to increase the number of civilian specialists in priority areas to accelerate and improve the purchase of new equipment, recruit, and train new soldiers, and upgrade our infrastructure, among others.

Building an Innovative Defence Industrial Base

Sustaining Military Equipment

• $9.0 billion over 20 years to sustain military equipment under the National Procurement Program to ensure the CAF can continue to receive the critical updates necessary to preserve its ability deploy on operations.

Ammunition Supply and Production

• $9.5 billion over 20 years to accelerate the establishment of new artillery ammunition production capacity in Canada and invest in a strategic supply of ammunition. Artillery ammunition is becoming increasingly difficult to procure abroad – and this production capacity will help meet the ammunition demands of Canada and our closest allies while creating skilled jobs for Canadian workers for the long term and generating economic benefits for Canadian communities. The CAF will also establish a greater strategic reserve of battle-decisive munitions. Canada needs adequate stockpiles of munitions to meet its defence and security commitments during a crisis or conflict, and industry needs clarity from government about future acquisitions to set up production lines. This production line will also help replenish CAF ammunition previously donated to Ukraine.

NATO Innovation Fund

• $107 million over 20 years for Canada’s participation in the newly established NATO Innovation Fund, which will offer additional funding streams for innovative Canadian entrepreneurs. The Fund is the world’s first defence-focused multi-sovereign venture capital fund, providing investment in start-up firms developing dual-use, emerging and disruptive technologies critical to our defence.

Defending Canada

Specialized Maritime Sensors

• $1.4 billion over 20 years to acquire specialized maritime sensors to conduct ocean surveillance. They will be used to monitor Canada’s maritime approaches, including in the Arctic and North, and will be a critical component of the CAFs’ ability to defend Canada from a growing range and sophistication of underwater threats including vessel-launched missiles, underwater systems, ships, and submarines.

Satellite Ground Station

• $222 million over 20 years to build a new satellite ground station in the Arctic. This ground station will improve our ability to detect, deter and respond to malign activities and to communicate those threats quickly with our most trusted partners.
  

Tactical Helicopters

• $18.4 billion over 20 years to acquire a more modern, mobile, and effective tactical helicopter capability. It will provide the CAF with the speed and airlift capacity to assert Canada’s sovereignty and respond to natural disasters and emergencies throughout the country.
  

Northern Operational Support Hubs

• $218 million over 20 years for Northern Operational Support Hubs. These will better ensure Canadian sovereignty by establishing a greater year-round presence across the Arctic and the North, and investing in multi-use infrastructure that also meets the needs of the territories, Indigenous peoples, and Northern communities.
  

Enhancing Canada’s Intelligence and Cyber Operations

• $2.8 billion over 20 years to stand up a joint Canadian cyber operations capability with the Communications Security Establishment, integrating the unique strengths of each organization into a unified team that will conduct active cyber operations in support of Canadian interests.
  

Renew and Expand Submarine Fleet

• We will explore options for renewing and expanding our submarine fleet to enable the Royal Canadian Navy to project a persistent deterrent on all three coasts, with under-ice capable, conventionally powered submarines.

All-terrain Vehicles for Arctic Mobility

• We will explore options to acquire new vehicles adapted to ice, snow, and tundra. These versatile, all-terrain vehicles would be able to operate effectively in all Arctic terrains and climate conditions. These vehicles would allow the military to maintain awareness in remote regions and along Canada’s entire coastline, and better respond to unauthorized activity.

Enable Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to Operate Helicopters

• We will explore options for enabling our Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels to embark and operate our maritime helicopters at sea.
  

Defending North America

Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

• $307 million over 20 years for airborne early warning aircraft that will vastly improve Canada’s ability to detect, track and prioritize airborne threats sooner, and respond faster, and to better coordinate our response with the United States when required. They will allow Canada to continue making meaningful contributions to NORAD while also supporting allies and partners globally.
  

Long-Range Land Missiles

• $2.7 billion over 20 years to acquire long-range missile capabilities to enable our forces to deter threats to Canada from an appropriate distance and reach targets at greater ranges than our adversaries in combat.
  

Contribution to Integrated Air and Missile Defence

• We will explore options to ensure our new airborne early warning and control aircraft and previously announced platforms such as such as the Canadian Surface Combatants can contribute to efforts with our allies to defeat new missiles that move faster and in more unpredictable patterns.
  

Ground Based Air Defences to Defend Critical Infrastructure

• We will explore options for acquiring ground-based air defences to defend critical infrastructure from a diverse array of incoming airborne attacks, including drones, missiles, and artillery.
  

Long-Range Air and Sea Missiles

• We will explore options to acquire long-range air- and sea-launched missiles to enable our forces to deter threats to Canada from an appropriate distance and reach targets at greater ranges than our adversaries in combat.
  

Defending Canada’s Global Interests and Values

Sustaining Naval Vessels

• $9.9 billion over 20 years to improve the sustainment of our naval fleets. This will include extending the life of the Halifax-class frigates and preserving the Royal Canadian Navy’s interim at-sea replenishment capability. These investments will help Canada maintain a globally deployable naval fleet capable of supporting NATO and engaging in operations, exercises, training, and defence diplomacy with key allies and partners, among other activities.
  

Worldwide Satellite Communications

• $5.5 billion over 20 years to acquire a comprehensive worldwide satellite communication capability. Working with our allies, we will jointly develop updated access to the satellite constellations that enable the military to operate effectively around the world, including by better defending its communications against jamming or disruptions by adversaries while deployed.
  

Modern Artillery Capabilities

• We will explore options for modernizing our artillery capabilities, which will significantly improve the protection of our deployed personnel by providing them with the capacity to strike enemy positions from farther away and in a greater number of directions.
  

Upgrade or Replace Main Battle Tanks

• We will explore options for upgrading or replacing our main battle tanks, which continue to have a decisive effect on the modern battlefield and remain key to conducting land operations against conventional militaries with advanced capabilities.
  

Upgrade or Replace Light Armoured Vehicles

• We will explore options for upgrading or replacing our light armoured vehicle fleet and establishing a production program to replenish our fleet while also enabling industry to invest in a sustainable defence production capacity to support Canada and our NATO allies.
  Surveillance and Strike Drones and Counter-Drone Capabilities
  We will explore options for acquiring a suite of surveillance and strike drones and counter-drone capabilities.
  

New leader to focus on advocacy, member services and increased industry collaboration

Toronto, Ontario, December 4, 2023 – The Ontario Aerospace Council announced today that Natasha Gagnon has been named as the organization’s new chief executive officer, succeeding the late Moira Harvey. Gagnon had been serving as interim CEO since Harvey’s passing in March 2023. After reviewing the credentials of multiple applicants, Gagnon was selected by OAC’s board of directors to lead the organization.

“Natasha Gagnon has served the OAC and its members with distinction since joining the organization almost eight years ago and especially as interim CEO in recent months,” said Dwayne Charette, OAC board chair, as well as president and chief operating officer of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “The executive committee applauds her dedication and recognizes her vision for building on the OAC’s strengths as our new CEO. The aerospace industry faces unprecedented challenges to meet ambitious sustainability goals, increase competitiveness through innovation, plus attract and retain diverse talent. Natasha has an innate appreciation for how to address these challenges here in Ontario.”

As CEO, Gagnon’s responsibilities include defining and executing the organization’s vision, mission and strategic plan; managing operations and programming; building and nurturing stakeholder relationships across industry, government and academia; developing and maintaining a diverse membership ecosystem; identifying new business opportunities and partnerships; and serving as a spokesperson at trade shows, conferences and other venues.

“I sincerely thank the OAC’s board of directors for this vote of confidence to lead our association as we continue to evolve the organization in service to our members,” said Gagnon of her appointment. “I am honoured as CEO to offer a voice that is united with partners across industry. Our programming will serve the needs of our membership while we work with government at all levels to maximize our competitiveness in an increasingly global industry. We’ll do this by clearly articulating our perspective with policymakers to reinforce our position as a regional powerhouse with global influence.”

Natasha Gagnon joined the OAC in February 2016 as manager for special projects. In subsequent years, she earned promotions to senior manager and then vice president, assuming additional responsibilities relating to operations, as well as program creation and execution on behalf of the organization’s membership. OAC flagship offerings now include missions to major aerospace events including the biennial Paris and Farnborough International Airshows, annual Aerospace Unplugged headliner event, Beyond the Barriers Research & Technology Days, Aero+B2BeeMatch business development platform, and the Competencies Online Advancement Skills & Training (COAST) program.

In advocating for industry, Natasha Gagnon was appointed to the Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Council tasked with providing recommendations to Ontario Minister Victor Fedeli.

Prior to joining the OAC, Natasha Gagnon held key positions in the public sector as a trade officer with UK Trade & Investment at the British Consulate-General in Montréal, and positions in the private sector both in Canada and France within the investor relations, wellness and advertising sectors. Gagnon earned her Bachelor of Social Science degree in economics from the University of Ottawa.

• 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.

 Leads Industry-Wide Sustainability Efforts with Landmark
Environmental Product Declarations for Global 5500 and Global 6500
Aircraft
   • Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide detailed information about each
     aircraft’s environmental footprint across its life cycle
   • Bombardier’s unique Product Sustainability and Strategy team analyzed
     environmental incidence of over 140K aircraft parts per program to create holistic
     and transparent public reports
   • Long-range Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft join Global 7500 and Challenger
     3500 as world’s only business jets carrying an EPD
   • Global 5500 and Global 6500 EPDs contribute to Bombardier’s long-term view EcoJet
     research platform

Montréal, May 2, 2023 – Bombardier today announced that it has completed a thorough analysis of the Global 5500 and Global 6500 in order to publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for two of its large aircraft. They join the Global 7500 aircraft and the Challenger 3500 aircraft as business aviation’s only EPD-designated jets. 

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

Get your tickets to participate in OAC's R&T Days on March 27 & 28, 2023!!! We look forward to bringing our R&T community together for a deep dive into Pathways to Net Zero 🌿

SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES to exhibit in the Trade Show and Sponsor the event TODAY!

➡️ Full event details HERE: RTDAYS2023

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

• Massive expansion includes a complete suite of maintenance and modification capabilities with enhanced full-service interior finishing capacity, including a brand-new environmentally-controlled paint facility and 24/7 parts depot
• Additional features include essential amenities such as exceptional customer office and lounge facilities and ground handling services
• With sustainability at its core, the new LEED Silver certified facility includes new solar panel installations, electric vehicle charging and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) availability

Singapore, June 30, 2022 – Bombardier today announced the grand opening of its newly transformed Singapore Service Centre, the largest OEM business aviation maintenance facility in Asia Pacific. A key jewel of the next major investments in Bombardier’s growing worldwide customer service footprint, the newly expanded facility features substantially enhanced service capabilities for its growing fleet of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft operators. The facility will also accommodate Bombardier’s newly launched Global 8000 business jet when it enters into service in 2025.

Located at the growing Seletar Aerospace Park, the Singapore Service Centre, which opened in 2014, has more than quadrupled its current footprint from 70,000 sq. ft. (6,500 m2 ) to approximately 290,000 sq. ft. (27,000 m2 ). The massive expansion introduces exceptional new customer facilities for business jet operators, including a full-service, environmentally-controlled paint facility, advanced interior finishing capabilities, with key support functions, such as engineering, sales and customer support and an expanded portfolio of component, repair and overhaul (CR&O) services. This also includes the option for Global aircraft customers to lease BR710 engines from Rolls Royce stored on site, significantly reducing downtime and costs.

The expansion also adds sought-after new heavy structural and composite repair capabilities as well as an integrated parts depot that will serve the site and the region, adding more than US$15 million in additional parts inventory. The expanded Singapore Service Centre is expected to support more than 2,000 business jet visits annually.

“With this major expansion, the Singapore Service Centre will provide infinite benefits, including quicker aircraft turnarounds, greater convenience and peace of mind to Bombardier’s growing customer base in Asia,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Services and Support, and Corporate Strategy, Bombardier. “Customers can also enjoy access to the complete range of OEM customer 2 service and support at their doorstep. This is truly a special day for Bombardier and our growing aftermarket network.”

Bombardier’s steadfast commitment to an environmentally respectful approach to its design and project development is an essential part of the newly transformed Singapore Service Centre. Bombardier has installed solar panels on the facility’s roofs as well as its carpark structures to reduce energy consumption, which translates to 15% of the site’s annual electricity demand.

Other important green initiatives include the use of building management systems, insulation, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and automated water reticulation for improved water conservation and enhanced energy efficiency. The building design also achieved Singapore’s Green Mark Gold and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Silver LEED Green Building certifications. And while the reduction in energy, water and material resource usage reduces environmental impact, it also enhances indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being of customers and employees while delivering highly efficient, responsible operations. 

Bombardier has also received its first batch of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its partner, Shell Aviation, offering business aviation operators an environmentally-friendly fuel option at Seletar Airport – building on Bombardier’s commitment reduce the environmental footprint of business aviation worldwide.

This impressive expansion also highlights the addition of Jetex’s world-class FBO and ground handling system at the facility. This outstanding FBO provides operators and passengers with seamless service from arrival to departure as part of Bombardier’s commitment to offering an exceptional customer experience.

The development of the Singapore Service Centre is a shining example of how Bombardier is enhancing the accessibility of its OEM expertise for customers worldwide and redefining its position as a leader in aftermarket services in Asia Pacific, a pivotal part of its growing global network. Other important expansions include new service facilities at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and in Melbourne, Australia; expanded service capabilities at the London Service Centre at Biggin Hill airport; the continued development of a service facility in Berlin, Germany; and new products and services for customers, including important innovations in Bombardier’s customer service digital transformation.

The Singapore Service Centre currently employs more than 200 staff, including more than 160 licensed engineers and technicians and is in process of adding more than 50 additional staff. Bombardier also recently introduced a new apprenticeship program in Singapore to ensure a strong grassroots aerospace pipeline is firmly in place, training the engineering professionals of tomorrow.

The expansion of the Singapore Service Centre illustrates Bombardier’s comprehensive global customer service commitment to provide the best customer service experience in business aviation today.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in special-mission roles.

Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China, and an Australian facility opening in 2022.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Learjet, Challenger, Global and Global 8000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For information
Matthew Nicholls Bombardier
+1 514-243-8214
Matthew.Nicholls@aero.bombardier.com

Visuals of the expanded Singapore Service Centre are available here.

Download PDF version (English).

Download PDF version (French).

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

To read this article in French, click here.

Dwayne Charette elected Ontario Aerospace Council board chair

New chair succeeds veteran aerospace executive Todd Young

Pickering, Ontario, June 20, 2022 – The Ontario Aerospace Council announced today that Dwayne Charette, president and chief operating officer of Airbus Helicopters Canada, was elected board chair and assumed the role on May 27. His responsibilities include chairing OAC executive committee and board of directors’ meetings, providing oversight of organizational operations, as well as advocating for Ontario’s aerospace industry within the province, at the federal level and globally.

“I am honoured to be elected Ontario Aerospace Council board chair at such a pivotal time for our members,” said Charette. “My past experience on the board, coupled with a senior leadership role within a multi-national, offers a new and unique perspective that will help achieve our goals. To that end, I am committed to working collaboratively with all our stakeholders, engaging industry and government to find a common approach to support aerospace in Ontario.”

Dwayne Charette was appointed president of Airbus Helicopters Canada on August 1, 2019, adding to his previous role of chief operating officer. As president, Charette’s responsibility was expanded to include all facets of the enterprise in Canada and he is the accountable executive for the Canadian helicopter business line. He is a member of Airbus Helicopters’ North American Executive Committee as well as the representative of Airbus Helicopters within Airbus in Canada’s senior leadership team. Charette began his career with Airbus Helicopters in 2003 and has been a member of the OAC board since 2016, including chair of the scholarship committee since 2017.

“OAC members have benefitted significantly from Dwayne Charette’s contributions since he joined the board six years ago and I look forward to his leadership as our new board chair,” said Moira Harvey, OAC’s chief executive officer. “At the same time, I pay tribute to Todd Young, who served as our chair and a board member for the past 16 years.” Young’s accomplished career in aerospace included more than three decades at Bombardier, plus three at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. He is currently president of Young Aerospace Group Ltd.

About the OAC

Established in 1993 as a not-for-profit organization, the Ontario Aerospace Council is comprised of approximately 200 member companies, representing more than 70% of the Ontario aerospace industry employment base and spans all tiers, business activities and sizes, as well as related entities such as colleges and universities. The OAC enhances recognition of Ontario’s capabilities as a leader in global aerospace markets and builds greater expertise to assure continued prosperity. It fosters relationships between all stakeholders ­– industry, academia, researchers, governments and associations ­– to gather and share intelligence, identify and facilitate funding, as well as be an active catalyst for industry growth. Working collectively and collaboratively with members and in partnership with government (provincial and federal), the OAC defines and implements strategic member programs and initiatives in areas including technology development and adoption, networking, sales, supply chain relationships and readiness, skills enhancement and workplace training.

###

Media contact:

Moira Harvey, CEO

moira.harvey@theOAC.ca

+1-647-274-5533

DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

About Bombardier

Bombardier is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers,governments and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in special-mission roles.

Headquartered in Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The company’s robust customer support network includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and an Australian facility opening in 2022.

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger, Global and Global 7500 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For Information

Francis Richer de La Flèche

Vice President, Financial Planning and Investor Relations, Bombardier

+1 514 855 5001 x13228

Anna Cristofaro
Manager, Communications Bombardier
+1 514 855 8678

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are available at ir.bombardier.com.

February 25, 2022 - On the evening of Feb. 24, the Second World War-era hangar at Mohawk Airfield, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario, was involved in a major structural fire and destroyed completely.

The airfield is used by the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) for its aviation program — the only post-secondary Indigenous aviation program of its kind in Canada. The program offers “hands-on flight training for students interested in pursuing a pilot’s license or working in the aviation industry,” according to the FNTI website.

Multiple fire departments arrived on scene at 314 Airport Road at around 11 p.m. local time on Feb. 24. Efforts to extinguish the fire continued through the night and into Friday morning.

The hangar, which was built in 1943, was made of heavy timber due to the period it was built in, and therefore burned quickly.

According to Cathie Findlay, government relations and communications director at FNTI, the entire fleet of 13 aircraft was lost in the fire — five of which were recently purchased. The aircraft maintenance operations office and equipment used to service the planes were also destroyed.

The damage is estimated to be tens of millions of dollars.

In a Facebook post, FNTI said “all staff and students were successfully evacuated from the premises and no injuries were reported.” Everyone has been accounted for.

The buildings adjacent to the hangar, which include the student residence, aviation simulator building, and Indigenous learning center, were impacted by the heat from the blaze, but no serious damage has been reported.

The nine students living in the residence building are currently being housed in a local hotel, and “all available services are being offered to the students at this time,” FNTI said in a statement.

“While this is a devastating loss to our community and it means that our program will pause temporarily, we are already looking at recovery options,” the statement continued. “FNTI would like to thank all our partners for the tremendous outpouring of support. We look forward to working with all of you to help us rebuild this program.”

Donations to FNTI can be made here.

Via Skies Mag: https://skiesmag.com/news/canadas-only-indigenous-aviation-college-program-loses-hangar-entire-aircraft-fleet-in-fire/

"Aerospace companies are ready for takeoff on Aero+B2BeeMatch"

READ FULL BLOG HERE: https://www.blog.b2beematch.com/post/aero-b2beematch-aerospace-business-matchmaking

Hamilton businessman Ron Foxcroft remembered his friend from the earliest days. “He would repair our tarps for the trucks from a garage. He said, ‘our work will be perfect, and improve every job…If you pay on time!’  Foxcroft remembered his first charitable collaboration with Don Fell. “One day 30 years ago he said, ‘Fox, Junior Achievement need money…can you spend the day tomorrow with me?’ In those days Burlington Street from east to west was bustling with industry. Everybody respected Don Fell. We started at Dofasco in the morning and ended on Bay Street at 4 PM. He said, to every company, “Fox and I are not leaving without a cheque” At 4 PM we had $75,000 for Junior Achievement.”

Later they worked together co-chairing a fundraising campaign for St. Joes. Ron recalls. “When we cochaired the campaign at St. Joes, every meeting started at 7 AM. Don was very productive…he insisted we were back in our office no later than 8:30 AM.”

Don Fell’s son recalls a story that typified the attitude of businessmen of his father’s generation towards work-life balance. “When I became legal drinking age. I had the misguided fortune of celebrating turning 18 with my friends the night before a work day.  My father woke me the next morning, bright and early and said, “time for work!”  I kindly offered to defer.  There was no way, he said we are leaving, get up.  We arrived at the office at 7:30. I forgot, that day was also the Christmas holiday celebration day at work.  At 8am, a young co-worker, who knew it was my birthday offered me a holiday drink and birthday celebration.  I kindly said, “no… I will get one later!”  My father was within earshot, he turned and looked at me and I knew to take the drink.  I thanked the person for the drink and drank it.  Later my father caught up with me and said, ‘If you can play hard, you can work hard!’ That was 40yrs ago and I still remember it.  I hope I have been able to honour that standard through the years.”

From its humble beginnings repairing tarps, and making the canvas bags that newspaper carriers used to use; FELLFAB branched out into virtually any product that involved working with industrial fabrics. By the 1980’s the company was spreading its wings into international markets. During the Balkan war the company supplied 50,000 Kevlar vests to Canadian forces. A big part of the company’s businesses is manufacturing seats for planes and trains. In 2009, Fellfab Limited was one of 15 companies named Supplier of the Year by American aircraft maker Boeing. When COVID hit, Fellfab was one of the early Canadian companies to re-tool to manufacture PPE.

His obituary reads in part, “he was so looking forward to the 70th anniversary of FELLFAB next month, and his family will proudly carry on his legacy. While his business was a major focus in his life, Don was a tenacious fundraising champion for many organizations in the city of Hamilton, where he was born and raised. He believed that giving back was a privilege and was what made a city great. He supported the hospitals, the disabled, Around the Bay Road Race, the arts and countless others. He was a humble community leader, entrepreneur, mentor, innovator and philanthropist who shunned recognition, though he was very deserving.”

Recognizing Don Fell’s contribution to various fundraising efforts for St. Joseph’s Heathcare The hospital foundation issued a statement:

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Don’s passing. We feel so very fortunate to have counted Don amongst St. Joseph’s most dedicated volunteers and steadfast supporters. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation from 2006 – 2015 and was co-chair of our Timeless Care, Tomorrow’s Discoveries campaign, helping to raise more than $87 million for our Hospital. His commitment to St. Joe’s was honoured with a Mission Legacy Award in 2013 – it’s the highest honour bestowed by St. Joseph’s Health System. Don’s impact on our Foundation and Hospital will not be forgotten and we offer our most sincere condolences to Don’s family and friends as our community and our Foundation mourns alongside them.”

Sera Filice-Armenio, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation

Summing up, Ron Foxcroft told the Bay Observer, “Don Fell was an amazing business man, and even more amazing person. He founded Work Able Services in Hamilton.  He started with a goal to find 100 jobs for disadvantaged people. He succeeded, as Don always set achievable goals, and never stopped until the goal was reached. Hamilton business leaders always returned phone calls from Don Fell.  He was enormously respected and admired.”

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!