The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada – Pacific Division (AIACP) is once again welcoming aerospace industry experts across Canada and around the globe to the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) Aug. 11-12 at Tradex, marking the exposition’s sixth anniversary.

The Aerospace Industries Association Canada – Pacific Division (AIACP), with the Government of British Columbia as a presenting sponsor, is hosting the exposition to showcase the strength of B.C.’s aerospace sector and facilitate new opportunities for growth.

Attending the event will be Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan; Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance and MLA for Abbotsford West; and Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Service. The federal government will be represented by Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence; and Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The expo, coinciding with the Abbotsford International Airshow, will provide industry experts and representatives from the provincial and federal governments an opportunity to collaborate on approaches to move the sector forward.

Global proponents and contractors behind major industrial activities have consistently indicated that entry into global supply chains requires local companies to be both qualified and competitive. In response to the sector’s needs, the Province, in partnership with AIACP, is announcing $310,000 for a supplier-development pilot project to explore opportunities on how to help B.C. companies prepare to participate in global supply-chain markets and compete on the world stage. It will validate program design and delivery, which includes benchmarking, mentoring, training and expert support.

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 sector. The province’s aerospace sector is expected to see substantial growth and is identified as a potential key growth area in the BC Jobs Plan.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan –

“The B.C. government sees the potential for growth in B.C.’s aerospace sector and we continue to make investments to ensure that B.C.’s aerospace manufacturers and suppliers are well positioned to respond to the growing demand for their products and services. Building a stronger, deeper supply chain in British Columbia is a big win for B.C. aerospace companies and manufacturers, and for the global companies they will supply.”

Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West –

“I am pleased that we’ve been able to collaborate with AIACP to bring the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo to Abbotsford once again. Marking its sixth year, ADSE has become a world-class event that sees the aerospace community and government gather to create new business opportunities and showcase one of the most vibrant aerospace regions in Canada. Government’s strategy for the aerospace sector supports economic growth and provides well-paying jobs for people in the Abbotsford area and throughout British Columbia.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“The aerospace industry in B.C. is, quite literally, soaring to new heights. Its leadership in design, space exploration and clean technology are shaping the way this sector works across North America. The #BCTECH Strategy aims to further support this work by developing opportunities for capital, nurturing homegrown talent, improving access to trained workers, and opening our markets to more trade.”

Jim Quick, president and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada –

“We thank the B.C. government for supporting the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo as a presenting partner. We’re excited to see ADSE continue to evolve and grow in prominence as a national – and international – aerospace and defence event. Not only does ADSE provide an important opportunity for B.C. to showcase its innovative and talented aerospace sector, it also serves as a focal point for OEMs, suppliers, governments, military and airlines to connect and collaborate, and position the Canadian aerospace industry for future growth and success.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has the third-largest aerospace sector in the country, generating $1.3 billion of British Columbia’s gross domestic product (GDP).
• The aerospace sector in B.C. employs more than 8,000 people.
• Globally, 39,600 new aircraft valued at $5.9 trillion are expected to be needed over the next 20 years -- with approximately 38% of all new airplanes delivered to the Asia Pacific region.
• The Government of British Columbia has made a five-year, $5 million commitment to promote and develop B.C.’s aerospace sector in partnership with Aerospace Industries Association of Canada – Pacific Division (AIACP), now in its third year.

Learn More at:

2016 Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo: http://www.adse.ca/

2016 Abbotsford International Airshow: http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/

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

BC Aviation Strategy: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/air-or-rail-travel/aviation-in-bc