Support for Exploits Valley Air Services Limited helps company to innovate
January 24, 2019 – Gander (NL) – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Atlantic Canada's aerospace sector offers significant opportunities for local companies to commercialize, compete in global markets and create highly-skilled jobs. With a continued focus on growth and innovation, Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS) Limited will modify its Beechcraft 1900D cargo aircraft to deliver better business solutions to its clients.
The first modification will modernize the aircraft from analog instrumentation to a new digital glass cockpit, which will make instruments easier to find, improve capabilities, save on repair and replacement costs and reduce the aircraft's weight. Flight operators will benefit from the modified cargo aircraft with options to lower fuel costs, extend flight ranges or increase cargo capacity. The second modification includes a reconfiguration process to increase overall cargo storage capacity, which will improve the efficiency of EVAS' cargo business.
That is why the Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000 for this project.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced the support today following a tour of the company's facility.
EVAS, which is part of the GFT Aerospace Group of Companies, was established in Gander in 1992. The company manages commercial flight operations, cargo services, charter services, medivac operations, as well as aircraft maintenance activity.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, middle-class jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
"Atlantic Canada's aerospace industry includes many forward-thinking, innovative business like Exploits Valley Air Services Limited, which are pursuing exciting new opportunities to grow their businesses and create good paying, middle class jobs. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in this high growth firm, which is helping to drive economic opportunities in this region."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Exploits Valley Air Services Limited has been an important part of the business community in this region for many years, and contribute to Gander's reputation as a leader in aviation and aerospace. Through this investment, the company is continuing its path of business improvement and innovation as it develops new opportunities to compete and succeed in international markets."
- Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame
"The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is an important partner with EVAS Air and Gander Flight Training. This strategic partnership has allowed EVAS Air and Gander Flight Training to expand its capabilities globally in the areas of maintenance, manufacturing, repair, overhaul and training. Our company is very excited to partner with ACOA, College of North Atlantic and the provincial government in developing opportunities to grow Gander as the centre of aerospace excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador."
- Patrick White, President and CEO, EVAS Air and Gander Flight Training
Quick facts
The Government of Canada is investing $500,000 in this project through ACOA's Business Development Program (BDP). Exploits Valley Air Services is contributing $166,667 towards this project.
The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations.
The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
