Calgary, known predominantly for its oil and gas sector, has been quietly witnessing a burgeoning aerospace and defense industry. The city is currently home to 158 companies in this sector, contributing significantly to the province’s gross domestic product in 2024, according to Calgary Economic Development.
Jeff LaFrenz, the president of VizWorX, a technology company specializing in virtual reality software for defense applications, highlighted the substantial activities in aerospace and defense that often go unnoticed due to the dominance of the energy industry in discussions.
In a recent development, Boeing, together with Ottawa and Calgary Economic Development, announced funding for a new initiative in Calgary aimed at accelerating the commercialization of Canadian defense technologies and assisting local companies in expanding their client base in the sector. This initiative is part of Boeing’s commitment to invest in Canadian aerospace and defense, as mandated by a contract with Ottawa.
Calgary has also witnessed a series of significant announcements in the commercial aviation realm this year. WestJet, headquartered in the city, made its largest aircraft order to date. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik and Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE) unveiled major agreements for aviation facilities in Calgary. De Havilland Canada is set to establish a new aircraft manufacturing facility near the city, signaling further growth in the aviation sector.
Nicole Holinaty, a director at Calgary’s HeavyAero, emphasized the interconnectedness of the commercial and defense aspects of the aerospace industry. She highlighted the challenges companies face in entering the defense market and expressed optimism that the Boeing initiative would facilitate networking opportunities.
The need for skilled human resources poses a challenge for the industry’s growth, with companies like De Havilland Canada facing potential talent shortages as experienced engineers near retirement. Despite these hurdles, there is a positive outlook for the aerospace and defense sector, especially with Ottawa’s increased defense spending and focus on promoting Canadian industrial benefits.
While Calgary may not yet rival established aerospace hubs like Montreal, experts believe the city is making strides in the industry. However, sustained growth will require additional training programs to cultivate a new generation of aerospace professionals.
Overall, there is optimism for the aerospace and defense sector in Calgary and Alberta, with industry leaders calling for collective action to position the region as a competitive player on the global stage.
