Boeing Invests $61M CAD in British Columbia Aerospace Enterprises

French release can be found here.

• Investments part of Industrial and Technological Benefits for Canada’s selection of P-8 for Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft
• $13M dedicated to Indigenous skills training and equipment to increase component production at COTA Aviation
• $48M dedicated to Boeing Vancouver for data analytics technologies to enhance program management, aircraft sustainability and performance

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 7, 2024 — Boeing will invest $61 million to benefit two British Columbia aerospace enterprises and bolster Canadian economic growth. The investments are part of Boeing’s Industrial and Technological Benefits commitment to Canada for its selection of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon to fulfill its long-range multi-mission aircraft role.

Boeing’s investment supports COTA Aviation, an Indigenous-owned aerospace and defence company based in Parksville, BC. This investment will equip COTA with advanced manufacturing equipment, enhancing their capability and capacity to produce commercial and military aircraft components. Additionally, funding will enable COTA to establish a dedicated hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility. These initiatives will contribute to job creation and skills development in British Columbia. 

Boeing is also funding a suite of research and development technologies at Boeing Vancouver in support of company programs, project management tools for increased collaboration with customers, and analytics to optimize aircraft maintenance, sustainability and performance for crewed and autonomous flight.

“Boeing’s investments in British Columbia align perfectly with our vision of a prosperous and secure future for Canada,” said the Honourable Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence. “These strategic partnerships not only strengthen our aerospace industry, they help ensure Canada remains at the forefront of technological advancements, creating high-value career opportunities for generations to come.”

"Boeing's significant investments in British Columbia underscore our commitment to advancing Canadian innovation and economic prosperity. By supporting COTA Aviation's Indigenous skills training and bolstering Boeing Vancouver's capabilities in data analytics, Boeing is enhancing aerospace capabilities while fostering sustainable growth and creating high-value career opportunities,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Through our Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, we are dedicated to ensuring Canada remains a global leader in aerospace excellence."

“Boeing’s substantial investments in two British Columbia aerospace companies highlight the capabilities and potential of BC’s surging aerospace industry,” said Brenda Bailey, BC’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “These investments energize the growth of local communities with good, sustainable jobs, and keep the people of BC at the centre of our blueprint for a stronger, cleaner economic future.”

Dorian Cota, President of COTA Aviation, said Boeing’s investment greatly helps COTA meet growing capacity requirements while addressing a shortage of skilled labour and developing the workforce of tomorrow. “We are proud to partner with Boeing to enhance our training and grow our operations that will shape the future of aerospace in British Columbia,” he added.

"This collaboration is a testament to Canada's strength in the aviation industry and reflects Boeing’s commitment to the country where we have driven innovation for over a century,” said Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. "It’s wonderful to forge greater partnerships and growth in British Columbia where our journey began back in 1919, symbolizing our enduring dedication to shaping the future of aerospace in Canada."

The Government of Canada announced its decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon aircraft in November 2023 as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project. Boeing’s investments build on more than $2 billion in P-8 contracts with Canadian companies to date, contributing jobs and economic growth across the country. According to an independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation, the purchase will generate benefits of nearly 3,000 jobs and $358 million annually in economic output to Canada.

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As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.