Abbotsford is welcoming aerospace industry experts from across Canada and around the globe to its two-day Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo on Aug. 7-8 at Tradex.

Abbotsford is fast-becoming an aerospace hub in the country. For the first time, the expo will be hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada Pacific to coincide with the Abbotsford International Airshow. 

Industry experts will join representatives from the provincial and federal governments to discuss key technologies and how to create opportunities in the aerospace industries. Attending the event will be Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business; Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West; Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade; and Ben Stewart, B.C.’s special representative to Asia. The federal government will be represented by Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade; and Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

British Columbia’s aerospace and defence industry is recognized worldwide for delivering highly specialized products and services, and B.C. is a preferred Asia-Pacific gateway for the industry. The province’s aerospace sector is expected to see substantial growth as a more-unified industry cluster is developed.

Currently, there are 10,000 aerospace related jobs in B.C. and the government had identified the industry as a potential key growth area in the BC Jobs Plan.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

”We are very pleased that the ‎Aerospace Defense and Security Expo is being held in British Columbia. We are proud to host experts from around the world and I think this is a sign of the reputation that our aerospace cluster has earned. We know that there is significant potential for continued growth in the sector and that is why we have committed to partnership and investment in the industry.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“With our geographic advantage, talented workforce and established trade partners around the world, British Columbia is positioning itself as a leader in the aerospace industry. The sector represents tremendous opportunity for jobs and investment in B.C. By supporting the aerospace industry, we can also help local economies and businesses succeed in our province.”

Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance -

“Aerospace is a key sector for growth in B.C. with the potential to benefit the province’s economy for decades to come. This industry currently generates over $1 billion in revenue annually, and we anticipate that number will grow, particularly because there are so many opportunities for B.C. aerospace in the Asia-Pacific region and also due to the growth within the Pacific Northwest cluster.”

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy -

“The aerospace and defence industry is well-positioned to create new, well-paying jobs for B.C.’s economy. With Asian countries fueling the demand for aircraft, the continued involvement of B.C.’s special representative to Asia Ben Stewart is more important than ever to solidify connections with potential investors and customers on the ground in Asia.”

Quick Facts:

• Over the next 20 years, approximately half of the world's air-traffic growth will be connected to or within the Asia Pacific region.
• Total air traffic for the region is expected to grow 6.7% per year during that period, and air cargo expected to grow 6% per year.
• To modernize their fleets and meet the growing demand for air transport, airlines in the Asia Pacific region will need 12,000 new aircraft valued at $1.9 trillion over the next 20 years.
• Global aircraft sales, for both fleet growth and replacement of aging aircraft, will total 34,000 units over that period, with a value of over $4.5 trillion.

Learn More at:

2014 Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo: http://www.adse.ca/

2014 Abbotsford International Airshow: http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/

More info on B.C. government’s support of aerospace industry:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/04/1-million-to-help-bcs-aerospace-sector-soar-to-new-heights.html

Info on the B.C. Aviation Strategy:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/airports/documents/2012_AviationStrategy.pdf

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799