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Monday, 13 Aug 2012


Aircaft engine – ©Punchstock

“Canada’s aerospace market has experienced one of the world’s fastest growths during the last few years”

Aircaft engine – ©Punchstock

Aerospace sector in Canada

Canada is a major player in the world aerospace sector, ranking 5th globally. It is a world leader in regional jets, business jets and commercial helicopters. Canada is one of partners in the International Space Station

Market overview

Worth $22.4B (revenues in 2011), Canada’s aerospace sector has more than 400 aerospace manufacturing and service companies across the country. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce of about 87,000 people. Civil revenues of $17.25B in 2009 (77%), compared to military sales of $5.1B (23%).

Canada is a world leader in market segments such as regional aircraft, flight simulators, small gas engines, robotics and satellite technologies, communications, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, composite materials and landing gear systems. Nearly 75% of its output is exported, with two-thirds going to the US. Canada’s aerospace market has experienced one of the world’s fastest growths during the last few years.

The Canadian industry’s geographical location allows Canadian companies greater access to the US. The ability to penetrate this aerospace market could be a further benefit to any UK company seeking to do business in Canada or the US.

Bombardier is a global leader in the regional and business aircraft market. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, such as Bell Helicopter, Boeing, CAE, GE Canada, General Dynamics, Goodrich, Heroux Devtek, Lockheed Martin, Macdonald Dettwiler, Magellan, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls Royce, all have operations in Canada.

The aerospace sector in Canada is mature and UK companies will face significant competition from a well-established supply chain.

Key opportunities

  • Sustainable aviation.

  • Fuel efficient engines with less noise and lower emissions.

  • Renewable energy,

  • Composites/lightweight materials

  • Modelling and simulation including 3D imaging.

  • UAVs.

  • Structural integration (metallic and composites).

  • Electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning and pressurization, primary and secondary flight control, braking, fuel management and other systems.

  • Canada has a growing and global MRO sector, with hubs in Manitoba and Quebec. Potential for UK companies to supply to this sub-sector.

Latest export opportunities – Aerospace

Latest export opportunities - Canada

Getting into the market

Various routes are available to the British company looking to gain access to the Canadian aerospace sector:

  • Establishing a local presence.

  • In-market representation through intermediaries like distributors and manufacturers’ agents/representatives.

  • Supplying directly to customers/end-users.

  • Partnerships/strategic alliances.

  • Leveraging existing UK relationships with links into the Canadian market.

More about doing business in Canada

Contacts

Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas, and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits though our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists in country - or contact your local international trade team.

Contact your local international trade team

UKTI Events

UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.

Latest events - Aerospace

Latest events - Canada

Major Events

Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) General Meeting

November 2012 (tbc)

Toronto, Ontario

www.ontaero.org

Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC): Canadian Aerospace Summit

5-6 December 2012

Ottawa, Ontario

www.aiac.ca

Aeromart Montreal

23-25 April 2013

Montreal, Quebec

www.bciaerospace.com/montreal

Useful links

More about OMIS and other UKTI services for exporters