Two programs that pave the way for the future welcomed by the aerospace industry
MONTRÉAL, Friday, February 22, 2019 – Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, welcomes the Québec government’s announcement today regarding two major strategic projects designed to bolster the development of companies in the industry.
The greener aircraft mobilizing project (SA2GE) has received a $25 million financial contribution from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. The announcement was made this morning by Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon and is part of the launch of Phase 3 of the SA2GE project, which brings total investments to more than $50 million.
Mr. Fitzgibbon also awarded $16.25 million to AÉRO21 for the strategic mobilizing project known as AERO21 - Technologies du 21e siècle pour l’aérospatiale. This contribution stems from Québec Economic Plan of March 2018 which provides $60 million to support the launch of a request for mobilizing projects in sectors that are strategic for Québec.
The greener aircraft mobilizing project (SA2GE) – Innovation and respect for the environment
“Québec’s aerospace industry can and wants to play an important role in the fight against climate change. The SA2GE project is a tremendous opportunity for our companies who want to leverage innovation to develop an airplane that is cleaner and quieter,” says Suzanne M. Benoît, President of Aéro Montréal.
The SA²GE project is part of so-called “mobilizing” projects for Québec. It was established in 2010 by the government as part of the Québec Research and Innovation Strategy (QRIS). The economic impact will be significant because in 10 years’ time, the commercialization of the technologies developed through Phase 1 is expected to generate the equivalent of 6,000 job years for a total of $2.8 billion in sales in Québec.
Projects developed under this initiative all aim to encourage innovation, the mobilization of Québec industry (SMEs, universities and research centres), and the achievement of environmental gains.
The AÉRO21 strategic mobilizing project – Research and competitiveness
Created in December 2018 by the Québec government, AÉRO21 is a non-profit organization funded by industry (including Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney and CMC Electronics Esterline) and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI). AÉRO21 will support projects related to advanced manufacturing (Factory 4.0, additive manufacturing) and digital technologies, including avionics and testing on a “virtual airplane.”
“This project will be extremely beneficial for our SMEs by enabling them to work closely with OEMs. Research and development is one of the main drivers for ensuring the competitiveness of our companies on the world stage,” explains Ms. Benoît. “The AÉRO21 project also underscores our desire to support collaboration among companies that make up our cluster. Through this collaboration we will be able to develop more innovative products that better meet market expectations.”
About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec’s aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions.
The activities of Aéro Montréal are made possible thanks to the participation of the governments of Québec and Canada, the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as company members of the cluster.
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Gwenaël Brisé
Communications Manager
Aéro Montréal
Cell: 438 497-3857 | Off: 514 987-9395