Aéro Montréal welcomes the renewal of the CF-18 Hornet fleet maintenance
contract by the Canadian Forces

MONTREAL, Sept. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, applauds the announcement made in Mirabel today by the Canadian government for the renewal of a contract with Québec-based L-3 MAS to maintain the CF-18 Hornet fleet. This new mandate, valued at nearly half-a-billion dollars, covers the period 2010 to 2017 with an option for three additional years.

"By renewing this contract to maintain the fighter jet aircraft CF-18 Hornet until the end of their useful life, the federal government is preserving an expertise that has been developed over the past 25 years and is recognized worldwide," said Gilles Labbé, chairman of Aéro Montréal and president and CEO of Héroux-Devtek. "Retaining this centre of excellence in Mirabel is an important asset for the long-term development of numerous Québec's supply chain companies."

Canadian military procurement programs contribute to the growth of aerospace companies and generate significant industrial benefits across Canada and Québec. "These large contracts help to support innovation and preserve stimulating high value-added jobs, thereby contributing to the development of our industry," explained Suzanne M. Benoît, CEO of Aéro Montréal.

Québec's aerospace industry at a glance
Recognized for its highly skilled and innovative labour force, Québec's aerospace sector today employs 40 000 people and generates revenues of $12.4 billion, or around 60% of the Canadian total. With 98% of Québec's aerospace activity concentrated in Greater Montréal, the region is one of the world's leading aerospace centres, along with Seattle and Toulouse.

Québec's aerospace industry benefits from the presence of global leaders. These include 4 major prime contractors and some 15 equipment manufacturers and MROs supported by a network of more than 200 specialized companies. Moreover, Québec is home to Canada's largest aerospace centres of excellence and most prestigious technical institutes, schools, colleges and universities. Thanks to this exceptional innovation capacity, our industrial sector is recognized around the world as a true model of excellence.

About Aéro Montréal
Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, is a think tank that brings together 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 focused actions to increase cohesion and optimize competitiveness. By fostering the growth and expansion of Québec's aerospace cluster, it intends to make this industry an increasingly important source of wealth creation for the Montréal region, Québec and Canada.

For further information:

Amélie Hudon, Senior Communications Advisor, Aéro Montréal
514 987-9334, [email protected]