For Ottawa companies eyeing a bigger role in the defence sector, this year’s Canadian Aerospace Summit could provide an opportunity to get in front of decision-makers and potential clients without leaving the city.
The event, hosted annually in Ottawa by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC), brings together hundreds of industry leaders, government officials, military personnel, international delegates and businesses of all sizes across the sector. It will take place Oct. 27–28 at the Fairmont Château Laurier, a venue change from previous years when it was held at Rogers Centre Ottawa.
“I think it comes at a particularly important moment for the sector,” Mike Mueller, president and CEO of AIAC, told OBJ. “The major conversations, I would say, are obviously defence sovereignty, industrial capacity, innovation, investment, economic growth, skills and the labour market. Aerospace fits at the intersection of those different priorities.”
Defence is expected to be front and centre, he added. “(Companies are) really trying to figure out where they can take advantage of some of the increases that are happening on the defence side within the supply chain.”
With the federal government increasing its defence spending and recently releasing the Defence Industrial Strategy, Mueller said aerospace businesses both in and out of the defence space are prioritizing dual-use efforts to secure government contracts.
But other areas of the aerospace industry are also experiencing periods of massive opportunity, he said.
“We also have civil aviation, the commercial side,” he said. “There’s huge global demand and (the question is) how is the industry in Canada going to take advantage of that.”
At the summit, Mueller said civil companies will be looking to supply parts and systems to commercial aircraft manufacturers, provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services as fleets grow and age, and provide innovative cabin systems, avionics and airport operations technology.
Airlines are also increasingly investing in sustainability and clean technology, such as hybrid-electric aircraft concepts, lightweight aerostructures and sustainable aviation fuels.
Other companies are looking at space and working on small satellites, communications technology and space robotics and autonomous systems.
Mueller said the summit features a traditional trade show and speaker sessions, but also includes a business-to-business (B2B) program that allows businesses to meet with potential clients or partners.
“From an Ottawa business community perspective, it’s a great opportunity to connect with senior industry leaders from not only Ottawa, but right across the country,” he said. “A lot of shows you just sort of come and you walk around and you make some great connections.
“One of the opportunities that the summit offers is getting the right company in front of the right customer or (equipment manufacturer) that can really open some of the doors into both domestic and international supply chains.”
Previously held at Rogers Centre Ottawa, Mueller said the new location will make the summit slightly smaller and more intimate. Between 600 and 800 people are expected to attend from companies across Canada, the United States and the European Union.
“Ottawa has always been important for the summit because of that intersection between business, government, defence and public policy,” he said. “You’ve got world‑leading organizations and companies here in the capital region. I think this year means so much more because of all the different conversations that are happening right now with respect to industrial policy and defence policy. It makes a lot of sense to be here.”
