Bombardier Announces Agreement with DAIR to Spur Innovation in Ontario’s Aerospace Sector

press release

• Bombardier to make multi-million dollar contribution to research and training activities in Downsview
• Agreement enhances support for the establishment of an aerospace hub in the Greater Toronto Area

Bombardier is pleased to reinforce its partnership with the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) to establish an aerospace hub in Toronto’s Downsview area. Through a multi-million dollar contribution, Bombardier will focus on three main goals: supporting DAIR’s academic and research activities, supporting DAIR’s operations, and preserving the aerospace heritage of the site.

“This agreement is great news for Ontario’s aerospace industry and for the people of Toronto,” said François Caza, Vice President, Product Development and Chief Engineer, Aerospace, Bombardier Inc. “Since acquiring de Havilland in 1992, Bombardier has built strong relationships with local institutions to promote aerospace research and innovation. Through our new partnership with DAIR, we will continue to support the development of this unique ecosystem for many years to come.”

“I am thrilled with the ongoing support and leadership demonstrated by Bombardier and the opportunity this will unlock for aerospace in Ontario,” said Andrew Petrou, Executive Director, DAIR, and Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Relations, Centennial College. “This commitment will enable the growth of the Downsview Aerospace Hub through support for training and research, DAIR Innovation Centre physical space and operations, and preservation of the site’s aerospace heritage. Through this partnership with Bombardier, DAIR will be uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the development of tomorrow’s aviation solutions.”

Starting this year, Bombardier will provide $1.5 million CDN over five years to fund core research at the Aeromaterials Research Centre, to be established at the DAIR Innovation Centre. The Centre will bring together industry and academic partners in a collaborative space for aerospace training and education, R&D, and sector advisory services to maintain Canada’s leadership role in the global market.

Starting in 2019, Bombardier will contribute an aggregate $1 million CDN over five years for the creation of two Aerospace Research Centres at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. These Centers will focus on research in the areas of advanced interiors and acoustics. In addition, Bombardier will provide funding to Centennial College for the completion of its Landing Gear Research project, while extending its existing training program to train a minimum of 50 individuals for each of the next three years at Centennial College’s Downsview Campus.

Bombardier will also provide $900,000 CDN over the next three years to support formal operations of the DAIR Innovation Centre, and as a founding member of the Consortium, will remain actively engaged by appointing a member to its Board of Directors.

Finally, in recognition of Downsview’s historical importance in the development of the aerospace industry in Ontario, Bombardier will be providing a total of $2.5 million CDN in capital funding to refurbish the heritage “Moth Building”, which will be the cornerstone of the DAIR Innovation Centre.

About Bombardier

With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

About DAIR

The Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) is an association of all of the large aerospace companies and leading postsecondary education institutions from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), who have come together with the joint mandate of developing an Aerospace Hub at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. DAIR news and information is available at dairhub.com and our Twitter @DAIR__Hub.