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AIAC & ISED Release Latest State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report

Published: July 12, 2022

OTTAWA (ONTARIO), July 12, 2022 – Newly released data confirms that Canada’s aerospace industry continues to be a significant contributor to the economy as well as a key driver of innovation and R&D.

Today, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), released the latest State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report, based on 2021 year-end data.

To view the full report, click here.

Pour lire le rapport en français, cliquez ici.

The data shows that the aerospace industry continues to rank first in R&D investments in Canada, with an R&D intensity 2.5 times higher than the manufacturing average. Canada also remained the only country to rank in the top five for civil flight simulators, civil engines and civil aircraft sub-segments. Despite a decline in jobs and GDP contribution resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada remains a global aerospace innovation and export leader.

“Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s aerospace sector remains the most innovative manufacturing industry and a cornerstone of our economy. Our government has dedicated investments totalling $2 billion to help the aerospace sector recover. These investments will help the sector become more resilient, cleaner and greener while supporting the creation and maintenance of jobs and growth for decades to come,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“This is an industry that has shown tremendous commitment and resiliency while facing uncertainty and challenges that hit harder than for most other sectors. This latest data highlights the need for a renewed industry-government partnership through a national long-term strategy; one that leverages the strengths of our industry to ensure full recovery and job growth for decades to come. Our ability to recover and grow the industry in Canada requires a long-term vision and plan,” said Mike Mueller, President and CEO, AIAC.

The report’s key findings include:

  • The Canadian aerospace industry contributed over $24 billion in GDP and close to 200,000 jobs to the Canadian economy in 2021.
  • Between 2020 and 2021, the aerospace industry’s contribution to the Canadian economy declined by $0.9 billion in GDP and 7,300 jobs.
  • Canada is the only country that ranked in the top five in civil flight simulators, civil engines and civil aircraft sub-segments.
  • Both the Canadian and global defence sectors continued to grow, with defence activity representing 17% of total Canadian aerospace revenues in 2020.
  • The Canadian aerospace industry maintained its #1 R&D ranking among all Canadian manufacturing industries.
  • A diverse product portfolio and strong participation in global value chains continue to be key features of the Canadian aerospace manufacturing industry; more than 90% of aerospace manufacturing revenues were export oriented in 2021, of which over 50% were supply chain related.

www.aiac.ca

For more information

Christine Csversko
Director, Communications & Marketing, AIAC
ccsversko@aiac.ca
613-232-4297 (extension 235)