Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is moving to the web instead of taking to the skies this year, and Ontario companies are along for the ride. Attended by over 80,000 participants from across the globe, FIA is one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence shows. This year, due to COVID-19, FIA is now FIA Connect, a free online-only event described as “five days of high quality content, collaboration, thought leadership and industry insight.”
Ontario has a long history of attending FIA due in no small part to our reputation for excellence in the fields of aerospace and defence. Held bi-annually in England (and alternating each year with their partner event, the Paris Airshow), FIA 2018 was attended by just a handful of Ontario companies. FIA Connect gives more firms an opportunity to join in, so this year Ontario is pleased to be bringing over 30 innovative aerospace and defence companies to FIA Connect’s online showcase.
Did you know that made-in-Ontario parts are aboard nearly every passenger aircraft in the world? With over 200 dedicated aerospace firms and $6 billion in annual sales, it’s not difficult to believe. From aeronautical systems to landing gear, there is an Ontario company for practically every part of a plane.
International companies have set up shop in Ontario too, creating and benefiting from an integrated and diversified supply chain with far-reaching global connections. Big names that have found a home in Ontario include Airbus, Bombardier, Precision Castparts Corp., Honeywell, Raytheon Technologies, L3 Harris, Leonardo, Safran, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and MDA.
Ontario is much more than parts and OEMs. The province’s robust innovation ecosystem – comprising world class research institutes, innovation labs and universities and colleges – drive breakthroughs every day in AI, robotics, precision manufacturing and advanced engineering. With over $500 million spent on research and development here annually, Ontario is leading the way to the future of aerospace and defence.
Ontario is home to tech hubs like the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, The Perimeter Institute for Quantum Technology, MaRS, Communitech, and the Creative Destruction Lab. Attracting the brightest talent from across the globe, these facilities are fostering new thinking and advanced ideas that take the power of innovation out of the lab and into the skies.
Meet the Ontario companies taking part in FIA Connect this year: visit our FIA page on SourceFromOntario.com to view company profiles and find out how to connect with them. If you’re looking to learn more about opportunities in Ontario, be sure to visit these aerospace and defence backgrounders.
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