Aéro Montréal and the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance sign a strategic collaboration agreement

FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, and the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), the Northwest source for aerospace services and information, signed a framework agreement on cooperation during the Farnborough International Airshow.

Suzanne Benoît, president of Aéro Montréal, welcomed the initiative saying it will create strong opportunities for the Québec's aerospace industry as Montréal and Seattle are two of the three world aerospace capitals. "We share similar objectives for our respective members and strongly believe in the potential of sharing best practices and mutual challenges, mainly in the area of supply chain optimization," she said.

"The signing of this cooperation agreement demonstrates a proactive leadership of the Québec's aerospace industry," said Sam Hamad, Québec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. "This is a renewed opportunity for the sector to benefit from the expertise of a strategic partner and build bridges between Quebec's and Washington State's companies."

Kevin Steck, Board Chair of the PNAA, added that "We are both committed to a collaborative approach and look forward to developing a close working relationship to the benefit of both our organizations."

"I applaud this important collaboration between PNAA and Aero Montreal for the great opportunity it represents to further strengthen the competitive position of our North American aerospace industry. Agreements like this create new growth potential and jobs for the 720 supply chain companies here in Washington state and their fellow sector members in Canada," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The collaboration agreement involves the exchange of information concerning the two clusters' respective programs and initiatives. It also involves the exchange of information about their respective members' needs, offers and capabilities, allowing for shared knowledge on how both clusters could better integrate, leverage each other's core competencies and therefore develop complementary value chains.

About the agreement signatories
About Aéro Montréal

Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, is a strategic think tank that groups all the major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.

Aéro Montréal's mission is to mobilize industry players around common goals and concerted actions to increase the cohesion and optimize competitiveness of Québec's aerospace cluster. It aims to foster the growth and expansion of the cluster so as to ensure that it may continue to create wealth for Montréal, Québec and Canada. To find out more about Aéro Montréal, visit www.aeromontreal.ca.

About the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance

The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) has been promoting the growth and success of the aerospace industry in the Northwest for over 11 years. Its primary purpose is to help grow and maintain a viable aerospace industry in the region. This is accomplished through frequent educational and networking events and informing members and participants of important industry changes and business opportunities.

A non-profit organization, PNAA derives sustaining support through membership and corporate sponsorships. Affiliates include Abbotsford Airport, Aerospace Industry Alliance of British Columbia (AIABC), Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), Aviation Alberta, Bellevue College, CECOMPI (Brazil),  Edmonds Community College, Everett Community College, Future of Flight Foundation, Inland Northwest Aerospace Consortium (INWAC), Manitoba Aerospace Association, Montreal Aerospace Association, Neidersachsen Aviation, Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC), Quebec Aerospace Association (AQA), Supplier Excellence Alliance (SEA), and Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle (TDA).  Sponsors include Acuity Solutions, CDG - A Boeing Company, Centers for Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Materials Manufacturing, Consulate General of Canada/Seattle, Moss Adams, Niedersachsen Aviation (Germany), the Washington State Department of Commerce, The Boeing Company, Regence Blue Shield, and Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC).

Noémie Mourot
Project Director, Strategy and Communication
Aéro Montréal
Cell : + 1 514 571-2810
[email protected]