A new initiative will establish an industry-led aerospace network focused on funding collaborative R&D projects. PHOTO courtesy Bombardier.
By Greg Paliouras
The federal government is investing $350 million to support Canada’s new Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) aimed at accelerating the green industrial transformation of the aerospace industry.
The global aviation sector accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, commercial aircraft emissions could triple by 2050, given the projected growth of passenger air travel and freight.
This investment, via the Strategic Innovation Fund, will establish a pan-Canadian, industry-led aerospace network focused on funding collaborative research and development projects with companies of all sizes across the Canadian supply chain, from coast to coast to coast. Projects will focus on four key technology areas: hybrid and alternative propulsion; aircraft architecture and systems integration; transition to alternative fuels; and aircraft support infrastructure and operations.
The announcement is in direct response to the main recommendation stemming from consultations led by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada involving over 450 industry representatives and other stakeholders nationwide.
The aerospace industry contributes close to $27 billion and more than 210,000 jobs to the Canadian economy. It is also one of the most export-driven sectors in Canada, exporting close to $18.7 billion in products in 2022.
