Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) consulted, validated research findings, developed detailed economic models, statistics and analysis based on Statistics Canada and global private independent research organizations data to produce The State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry 2017 Report.
The Canadian aerospace industry is broken down into two main activities: manufacturing (70% of GDP), and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO, 30% of
GDP). Beyond space systems manufacturing, the space industry includes satellite operations, value-added applications and space based broadcasting.
The Canadian aerospace industry contributed close to $28 billion in GDP and 208,000 jobs to the Canadian economy, with exports have growing faster than final products.
In 2017, Canada maintained its global leadership position in civil airplanes, helicopters, engines and flight simulators.
Canadian aerospace manufacturing demonstrated innovation leadership by:
- Being the number one manufacturing R&D player
- Outpacing the manufacturing average in terms of use of all four types of innovation practices: product, process, organizational, and marketing innovation
- Collaborating significantly more with industry, academia and government than the Canadian manufacturing industry average
- Increasing its employment of skilled workers significantly more than the manufacturing average to introduce innovation
