The City of Abbotsford is gaining national and international attention as aerospace experts gather for two of Canada’s biggest aerospace industry-related events.

The 2015 Aerospace Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) at the Abbotsford Tradex Centre takes place today and tomorrow. There are more than 170 participating companies and organizations focussing on this year’s theme of High Tech in Action. Just a few of the international companies attending include Airbus, Alenia Aermacchi, Rockwell Collins, Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company and Agusta Westland. Some of these companies will be focussing on the Canadian fixed wing search and rescue program as the federal government looks for bids on contracts to replace its Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Fleet.

Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, Greg Kyllo, is attending the conference and will be speaking about supply chain development.

Just as ADSE winds down, the Abbotsford International Airshow is taking off at the city’s airport. This is the 53rd annual airshow. The F-22 Raptor, the US Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft along with Canadian Forces Snowbirds and France’s Breitling Jet Team are among some of the line-up for the legendary event.

Air shows draw people from around B.C. and from out of province and boost tourism dollars in the local economies that host them. August is a great time to work an air show in your B.C. staycation plans. By visiting local events and venues, you’re not only supporting vital businesses in your town or city, you’re also helping to create jobs.

August is an opportunity to celebrate B.C.’s growing aerospace industry. It generates annual industry revenues of approximately $2.4 billion, value-added output (GDP) of $1.3 billion and employs over 8,000 people. Globally, 38,000 new aircraft valued at $5.6 trillion are expected to be needed over the next 20 years.

The B.C. government supports the province’s growing aerospace industry. In last year’s budget, the government committed $5-million over five years to develop and grow B.C.’s aerospace industry.

Aerospace is supporting the BC Jobs Plan by helping to keep the economy diverse, strong and growing. Since September 2011, the BC Jobs Plan has been building on the strengths of eight of the province’s key sectors using an educated and skilled workforce.

Quotes:

Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance –

“August is an exciting month for B.C.’s aerospace industry, with the Abbotsford Air Show, the ADSE along with other related events taking place. By supporting the sector, the provincial government is helping harness aerospace’s tremendous potential to grow the economy and provide well-paying jobs for people in the Abbotsford area and throughout British Columbia.”

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan –

“August is definitely a busy month for aerospace in B.C. ADSE and the Abbotsford International Airshow are key events that help to put our aerospace industry in the spotlight. I’m looking forward to attending and speaking about how our aerospace sector can work together to take advantage of international opportunities to grow our economy.”

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“I think there are quite a lot of people in this community who can relate to the types of high-paying and rewarding jobs that go hand in hand with Abbotsford’s aviation and aerospace industries. Events like these showcase our talent to the world.”

David Schellenberg, chair, AIAC Pacific & chair, ADSE –

“The Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo is the largest event of its kind west of Ottawa and the only aerospace exhibition in Canada held in conjunction with a major airshow – the Abbotsford International Airshow. The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and AIAC Pacific are proud to be working in partnership with the Province of B.C. in presenting ADSE 2015. Now in its fifth year, ADSE has grown to become a vital showcase for B.C.’s innovative aerospace sector, and an important platform for B.C. aerospace companies to raise their profile and pursue opportunities with global aerospace customers and suppliers.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is home to world-leading space companies and offers world-class capability in niche aerospace areas such as rotary aircraft, special mission aircraft, support services and flight training.
• B.C.’s gateway location between the countries and cultures of North America and Asia Pacific make British Columbia a natural location for growth within the aerospace industry.
• There will be many opportunities in skilled trades and technical occupations, like those found in the aerospace sector.

Learn More:

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

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

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