Ottawa – The 2014 Canadian Aerospace Summit held this week in Ottawa was a remarkable success, proudly displaying the best of what Canadian aerospace can offer. The two-day conference and trade show attracted an illustrious line-up of experts, government officials and senior industry leaders from Canada and several other countries. The event provided a platform for discussion on how a modern globalized aerospace industry drives the need for collaboration and innovation.

“This year’s turnout is a clear testament of how the Canadian Aerospace Summit has quickly become the preeminent aerospace gathering in Canada and beyond,” said Jim Quick, AIAC’s President and CEO. “This fourth installation of the Summit was a tremendous success, attracting guests from all corners of the world and displaying Canadian aerospace potential at its best while highlighting the important opportunities that lie ahead for our companies.”

Over 1200 industry executives, government officials and stakeholders from across Canada and around the world participated in the Summit’s various events, which included a two-day conference program, B2B and Trade Show, the Annual Aerospace Dinner, and the Aerospace Leadership Luncheon. The B2B and Trade Show drew exhibitors from all sectors of the Canadian aerospace industry as well as foreign delegations from Brazil, the United States, and Ukraine, among others.

[Ukraine was represented by FED Corporation that specializes in engine and flight control actuators and systems, IDGs, APUs and “more electric” engines].

Themed “One World: Delivering Results in a Global Market”, the program focused on how all key players in aerospace, including leaders in governments, industry and research need to align their efforts and resources to deliver results and growth for Canadian aerospace. Of note, the Summit welcomed an impressive international contingent whose interest in Canadian aerospace is steadily increasing.

“Canada continues to push the envelope when it comes to aerospace technology and this yearly event demonstrates how our companies remain heavily engaged in the global marketplace,” said Mr. Quick. “From coast to coast, we are seeing the emergence of competitive niche innovators whose work is driven by the unique demands of a truly global industry that constantly evolves.”

AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 172,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada.