Statement in response to selection of Airbus C295W for Canada’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Program

Ottawa (Ontario), December 8, 2016 – Today the Hon. Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Hon. Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced that the Airbus C295W aircraft has been selected to replace Canada’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue fleet. Major Canadian industry partners include Pratt & Whitney Canada, whose PW127G engines power the aircraft; Provincial Aerospace, which will provide in-service support; and CAE, which will provide simulation and training services out of a new training facility based in Comox, British Columbia.

Jim Quick, President & CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

I would like to congratulate the government on successfully concluding the competition process for the replacement of Canada’s fixed wing search and rescue fleet. This procurement will provide a modern aircraft to meet the needs of our men and women in uniform while also driving investment and growth in Canada’s aerospace and defence industry. Canadian aerospace companies such as Pratt & Whitney Canada, Provincial Aerospace, and CAE are world leaders in their fields. Today’s announcement will allow them to continue investing, innovating, and creating high-value jobs for Canadians. I congratulate Airbus and their Canadian partners on today’s announcement. We look forward to working with both government and industry to ensure that the benefits to Canadian companies, workers and innovation are maximized over the life of the new fleet.

Associated Links:

Government of Canada news release

About AIAC

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 over $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 211,000 Canadians.

For Information: 

Kristen VanderHoek
Director of Communications
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
613 232-4297 x225
kvanderhoek@aiac.ca