$4 million through PrairiesCan to establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub and a remotely-piloted aviation training centre
At the heart of Alberta's growing aerospace sector are more than 500 small- and medium-sized firms that employ thousands of Albertans, working to develop and manufacture new technologies and applications for market. The Government of Canada is investing in Alberta's aerospace businesses and the organizations that support them to help enhance this important industry's competitiveness, create good-paying jobs and diversify Alberta's economy.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of more than $4,000,000 for two projects that will further bolster Calgary's leadership and reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in the aerospace sector.
- Over $2.5 million will enable the University of Calgary to establish an Aerospace Innovation Hub. This new hub will provide startups and existing small- and medium-sized firms with technology development support, prototyping services, and access to testing equipment. This project is expected to create approximately 50 jobs, train 50 participants and directly benefit 25 small- and medium-sized firms.
- Over $1.4 million will support Canada's first remotely-piloted aviation training centre for heavy-lift drones training, maintenance, and certification at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). The centre is playing a key role in enabling the adoption of heavy-lift drone technology by creating one of the most advanced training and certification centres in North America. The project is expected to create approximately 45 jobs and train 110 participants.
Both projects will enhance the growth of aerospace and advanced manufacturing businesses and fill gaps in training for specially-trained pilots and mechanics. In total, today's investments are expected to lead to nearly 100 new jobs and train 160 participants.
