Airbus Group Partners With Ontario Aerospace Council To Host Business Development Conference

TORONTO

Airbus Group, in partnership with the Ontario Aerospace Council, today hosted a procurement conference which drew representatives from 2 dozen aerospace and manufacturing businesses based in Ontario and Western Canada.

The event marks the second Canadian-based procurement conference in which Airbus Group has partnered this week. On Monday, representatives from 40 Canadian businesses based in Quebec and Atlantic Provinces participated in a procurement conference in Montreal.

Today’s day-long event featured presentations and informational sessions designed to increase the number of supplier relationships with Airbus Group by familiarizing attendees with Airbus Group’s selection processes and performance standards.

“This conference – and other supplier conferences we have held in Canada – reflects our commitment to building long-term relationships with Canadian suppliers and expanding the supply chain of Canadian firms doing business with Airbus Group,” said David Williams, Vice President of Procurement, Airbus Americas.

“We are also creating a database of qualified suppliers we may potentially work with in our pursuit of the DoD’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue campaign,” he said.

“In the past decade Airbus Group has grown its presence in Canada five-fold,” said Don Tierney, Vice President for Airbus Group International. “This is a firm demonstration of our commitment to the Canadian market,” he said.

“Our event today is the culmination of a co-operative effort with Airbus, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Aerospace Council,” said Moira Harvey, Executive Director of the Ontario Aerospace Council. “We are pleased that Airbus recognizes the expertise found here and look forward to continuing to work with them to grow their Ontario supply chain and serve the global market.”

About Airbus Group

In 2014, Airbus Group generated revenues of C$82 billion and employed a workforce of 138,600 including 2,000 Canadians, buying C$1 billion direct from Canadian aerospace companies. Airbus Group’s close cooperation and collaboration with Canadian universities, the National Research Council (NRC) and industry has led to it becoming a frontrunner for innovation and skills in Canada.

Airbus Group works with more than 570 Canadian suppliers across its three divisions. These divisions are: Airbus, a leading global aircraft manufacturer supporting the fleets of Canadian airlines; Airbus Defence and Space, which provides expertise in public safety, electronics, space systems, as well as tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft; and Airbus Helicopters, a leading helicopter manufacturer celebrating over 30 years of operations in Canada, having delivered one of every two helicopters over the past 15 years.

Airbus Group affiliates in Canada include Vector Aerospace, a Canadian champion in aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); and Stelia Aerospace, a multi-specialist aeronautics company. Vector employs more than 1,100 Canadians in six locations, and provides support for gas turbine engines, helicopters and avionics to international commercial and military customers. Stelia designs, develops and manufactures aerostructures, cabin interiors and crew seats.

About The Ontario Aerospace Council

The Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC), a not-for-profit organization, is comprised of 220 member companies, representing over 70% of the Ontario aerospace industry employment base and spans all tiers, business activities and sizes. OAC fosters relationships between all stakeholders: industry, academia, researchers, governments and associations to gather and share industry intelligence, identify and facilitate funding as well as being an active catalyst for industry growth. Working collectively and collaboratively with members and in partnership with government (Provincial & Federal), OAC defines and implements strategic member programs, initiatives and events in areas including: technology development & adoption, supply chain relationships & readiness, skills development & workplace training.

Airbus Group, Inc.
Bart Greer
Office: +1 571-306-7246
Mobile: +1 703-334-1571
barton.greer@airbus.com
or
Ontario Aerospace Council
Moira Harvey
Office: 905-492-2296
Mobile: 647-274-5533
moira.harvey@theoac.ca