Calgary, often associated with the oil and gas sector, has seen significant growth in its aerospace and defence industries. The city is home to 158 companies in this sector, contributing $3.1 billion to the province’s GDP in 2024, as reported by Calgary Economic Development.
Jeff LaFrenz, the president of VizWorX, highlighted the extensive aerospace and defence activities happening in Calgary that often go unnoticed due to the dominant focus on the energy industry. To further boost this sector, a new initiative has been launched in collaboration with Boeing, Ottawa, and Calgary Economic Development. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of Canadian defence technologies and expand local companies’ clientele in the aerospace domain.
Boeing’s commitment to investing in Canadian aerospace and defence aligns with its contractual obligations to enhance the country’s maritime patrol aircraft fleet. This initiative marks the beginning of several Alberta-focused announcements from Boeing, according to a company spokesperson.
Calgary has also witnessed a series of significant developments in the commercial aviation sector this year. WestJet, headquartered in Calgary, placed its largest-ever aircraft order, while Lufthansa Technik and Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) announced major investments in aviation facilities within the city. Additionally, De Havilland Canada is set to establish a new aircraft manufacturing facility near Calgary, expected to serve as the company’s new headquarters.
Nicole Holinaty of HeavyAero emphasized the interconnected nature of commercial and defence aerospace activities, noting the commonalities in technologies used. However, challenges persist in navigating the complexities of becoming a defence contractor, which the Boeing initiative aims to address by fostering industry networking opportunities.
The initiative is also poised to facilitate cross-industry collaboration, enabling technologies from one sector to be repurposed in another. Addressing human resource constraints, particularly in engineering roles, is crucial for Calgary’s aerospace sector to thrive, according to industry experts.
While Calgary may not yet rival established aerospace hubs like Montreal, there is optimism for its growth trajectory. Increased government investment in defence and a focus on domestic industrial benefits are expected to drive sector expansion, positioning Calgary and Alberta for a larger share of the aerospace market.
LaFrenz emphasized the province’s potential to excel in aerospace and defence, expressing confidence in its ability to compete globally if stakeholders unite around this opportunity.