Aerospace in Canada

Despite Canada’s aerospace sector being a mature market with a well established supply chain it does offer opportunities for innovative UK companies in the aerospace sector.

Market overview

Canada is a major player in the world aerospace sector, ranking 5th globally. It is a world leader in regional jets, business jets and commercial helicopters. Canada is one of partners in the International Space Station.

Worth $42B (in revenues across multiple supply chains), and with direct revenue at $22.2B, Canada’s aerospace sector has more than 700 aerospace manufacturing and service companies across the country. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce of about 172,000 (manufacturing and MRO). 70% of the industry’s activity is dedicated to manufacturing, while MRO providers represent 30%.

Canada is a world leader in market segments such as regional aircraft, flight simulators, small gas engines, robotics and satellite technologies, communications, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, composite materials and landing gear systems. Almost 80% of its output is exported, with 55% going to the US. Canada’s aerospace market has experienced one of the world’s fastest growths during the last few years.

The Canadian industry’s geographical location allows Canadian companies greater access to the US. The ability to penetrate this aerospace market could be a further benefit to any UK company seeking to do business in Canada or the US.

Bombardier is a global leader in the regional and business aircraft market. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, such as Bell Helicopter, Boeing, CAE, GE Canada, General Dynamics, Goodrich, Heroux Devtek, Lockheed Martin, Macdonald Dettwiler, Magellan, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls Royce, all have operations in Canada.

The aerospace sector in Canada is mature and UK companies will face significant competition from a well-established supply chain.

Key opportunities

Sustainable aviation
Fuel efficient engines with less noise and lower emissions
Renewable energy
Composites/lightweight materials
Modelling and simulation including 3D imaging
UAVs
Structural integration (metallic and composites)
Electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning and pressurization, primary and secondary flight control, braking, fuel management and other systems
Canada has a growing and global MRO sector, with hubs in Manitoba and Quebec. Potential for UK companies to supply to this sub-sector

Latest export opportunities – Aerospace

Latest export opportunities – Canada

Getting into the market

The UK and Mexico have an increasingly important commercial relationship in this sector. Various routes are available to the British company looking to gain access to the Canadian aerospace sector:

Establishing a local presence.
In-market representation through intermediaries like distributors and manufacturers’ agents/representatives.
Supplying directly to customers/end-users.
Partnerships/strategic alliances.

More about doing business in Canada

Contacts

Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas, and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits though our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists in Mexico or contact your local international trade team.

Helen Hemmingsen, Trade Officer, British Consulate General (Toronto); Tel: 416 593 1290 (x2258); Email: [email protected]
Carley Crosby, Trade Associate, British Consulate General (Toronto); Tel: 416 593 1290 (x2242); Email: [email protected]

Contact your local international trade team

UKTI Events

UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.

Latest events in Aerospace

Latest events in Canada