Delivering innovative solutions: Nova Scotia's aerospace industry
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Did you know Pratt & Whitney’s most modern manufacturing cell is located in Nova Scotia? Or that Stelia North America — an Airbus company — is headquartered here? From aerospace multinationals to specialized suppliers, Nova Scotia has a history of delivering innovative solutions to the global aerospace industry.
Attracted by a high concentration of defence activity, Nova Scotia’s commercial Aerospace & Defence sector has more than 80 companies exporting to 17 nations, generating approximately $850 million in annual revenues. Six of the top global prime defence contractors call Nova Scotia home — Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, L-3 Technologies, Babcock, United Technologies Corporation, and MDA.
IMP Group — 50 years in Nova Scotia
Just this year, IMP Group celebrated 50 years of business in Nova Scotia. Known around the world for its expertise in maintenance and repair, IMP Group recently completed a multi-year program to re-wing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s P-3 Orion aircraft.
PAL Aerospace — Supporting Canada’s Fleet
As part of a consortium with Airbus, PAL Aerospace was recently awarded a contract for the ongoing support of Canada’s new fleet of search and rescue aircraft and will be completing a large part of the work from Nova Scotia.
Interested in Aerospace and Defence? View our sector infographic.
Competitive Costs
In its 2016 Competitive Alternatives survey, KPMG found Nova Scotia had significantly lower aircraft parts manufacturing-related business costs when compared to other major Canadian aerospace clusters.
Available and Loyal Workforce
Nova Scotia’s workforce is highly educated, with universities and community colleges enrolling students from more than 100 countries around the world, offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in support of the Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing industry. Nova Scotian employers also enjoy lower turnover rates versus other locations.
A Perfect Place for High Volumes of Exports
Nova Scotia's year-round advantages include Halifax's ice-free harbour with the deepest berths on Canada's east coast. Not only is shipping raw materials into Nova Scotia easy, but shipping finished goods to the world is just as effortless. In fact, Halifax offers trade connections to 150 countries with service from many of the world's leading shipping lines.
Learn more about Nova Scotia's Aerospace & Defence sector or contact us for more information.