AIAC & ISED Release Latest State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report

OTTAWA, July 15, 2026 — The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), today released the latest State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report, based on 2025 year-end data.

The data shows Canada’s aerospace industry contributed $33.1 billion to GDP and 218,700 jobs to the Canadian economy. The industry also increased R&D expenditures to over $1.8 billion and maintained its position as a leader in R&D at 4.5 times the manufacturing average, and 2.2 times more STEM-intensive.

Canada’s aerospace sector continues to be a major exporter, with over 70% of manufacturing revenues exported — totaling $28.2 billion across more than 170 countries — and over 50% of manufacturing exports tied to global supply chains. Canada also maintained its position among the top five countries globally in civil flight simulators, engines, and aircraft segments, while continuing to diversify and grow its aerospace defence segment.

“The findings of this year’s State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report highlight the strength, innovation and competitiveness of Canada’s world-class aerospace industry. The Government of Canada stands firmly with the sector, supporting its growth and global leadership. Together, we will keep building on this momentum to ensure the industry continues to thrive and to help drive economic prosperity for years to come,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

“The latest State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry report confirms that Canada’s aerospace industry continues to compete and deliver on the world stage. It reflects the industry’s commitment to investing in R&D, talent and exports. But Canada’s aerospace advantage is not something to be taken for granted — it’s why we need a national industrial aerospace strategy, to make sure this momentum continues.” said Mike Mueller, President and CEO, AIAC.

Report key findings:

  • Canada’s aerospace industry contributed $33.1 billion to GDP and 218,700 jobs to the Canadian economy in 2025.[1]
  • The industry increased R&D expenditures to over $1.8 billion, maintaining its #1 ranking in R&D intensity among Canadian manufacturing industries (4.5x the manufacturing average) and 2.2x STEM intensity.
  • Aerospace exports reached $28.2 billion across 170+ countries, an increase of $2.5B, with over 50% of manufacturing exports supply chain related.
  • Canada maintained its top five global ranking in civil flight simulators, engines, and aircraft segments.

[Click here to read the full report]

About AIAC
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s seventh-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes over $33B to the economy in GDP, exports over 70% of its output and invests heavily in research and development (R&D) — approximately $1.8B in 2025 — while supporting nearly 220,000 jobs from coast-to-coast.

For more information

Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC)
John Braniff
Sr. Manager, Communications and Social Media
jbraniff@aiac.ca | 613-601-0035

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

[1] Economic impact estimates reflect Statistics Canada’s latest Input-Output multipliers and updated foundational data. As such, figures are not directly comparable to estimates published in previous editions of this report. See Annex 2 of the full report for additional methodology details.