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Aerospace
 The region of Montréal is renowned for its expertise in the aerospace industry, specifically in aircraft assembly, engine manufacturing, overhaul and repair. In 2006, Québec manufacturing aerospace exports (90% from Metro Montréal) totalized CDN$8 billion.
A Vast Pool of Skilled Labor
With more than 42,000 employees, Montréal is one of the world's largest aerospace hubs, along Seattle and Toulouse.
Training in aerospace is offered at the four major universities, as well as in several schools and institutes, including the École des métiers de l'aérospatiale de Montréal (Montréal Aerospace Trade School) and the École nationale d'aérotechnique (National Aviation Technology School). New programs of study, such as the Master’s in Aerospace Engineering offered jointly by five Québec universities, are developed on a regular basis to meet industry needs. In 2006, close to 6,000 students began training in the region’s various aerospace programs.
In addition, three major international aerospace organizations are based in Montréal. They are the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airline Telecommunication and Information Services (SITA).
Metro Montréal is home to more than ten public and parapublic aerospace research centers, including:
- The Canadian Space Agency, which is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Canada’s space program.
- The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Center, which aims to improve technology and manufacturing methods in the Canadian industry.
- The Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec, which brings together industry leaders, engineering schools and other faculties affiliated with Québec universities in order to support and carry out joint pre-competitive aerospace research projects.
Industry Subsectors
The uniqueness of Metro Montréal is bolstered by the presence of a number of worldwide industry leaders, including two assemblers, and by advanced expertise in engine manufacturing, overhaul and repair, avionics and landing gear.
Assembly
- Bombardier Aerospace: the world’s third largest commercial aircraft manufacturer and the leading manufacturer of regional jets.
- Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: the world’s largest producer of civilian helicopters.
Engine Manufacturing, Overhaul and Repair
- Pratt & Whitney Canada: the world leader in engines for business aircraft, general aviation, regional aircraft and helicopters.
- Rolls-Royce Canada: leads the way as a supplier to 500 top airlines with the most comprehensive line of aircraft engines in the world.
Avionics
- CAE: the world’s leading supplier of commercial flight simulators (more than 85% of the world market).
- CMC Electronics: one of the world’s top specialists in aerospace telecommunications.
Landing Gear
- Heroux-Devtek: one of the world’s foremost specialists in design, development and manufacturing, as well as maintenance and repair services.
- Messier-Dowty: a landing-gear specialist with more than 40% of the world market.
Competitive Operating Costs
Metro Montréal offers one the most competitive operating costs in the aerospace industry in all of North America. According to a KPMG study carried out in 2008, Montréal ranks third among metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States with over two million people (and Wichita).
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