AEROSPACE INDUSTRY LEADERS AFFIRM SUPPORT FOR F-35 PURCHASE

OTTAWA, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - Presidents of leading aerospace companies affirmed their strong support for the purchase of F-35 fighter jets for Canada's military.  The CEOs represent key aerospace companies across the country, namely Avcorp Industries (Vancouver), Magellan Aerospace Corporation (Winnipeg/Toronto), Pratt & Whitney Canada, Héroux-Devtek, CAE and Esterline CMC Electronics (Montreal) and Composites Atlantic (Lunenburg).

According to the CEOs, the purchase of sixty-five F-35 fighter jets by the Government of Canada will create thousands of high quality jobs and investment which can reach more than $12 billion throughout Canada. "Thanks to Canada's partner status on the Joint Strike Fighter project, several Canadian companies were able to get involved in the design and development of systems and parts of the platform, and are now in a position to join the production of up to 5,000 F-35 aircraft," said Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek. Several additional companies, including small and medium enterprises, will also be able to bid on the production and maintenance of the fleet. 

"In addition to the tremendous benefits that will come with the purchase of 65 aircraft, this represents an even greater opportunity for Canadian industry to have access to work on thousands of planes," noted John Saabas, President of Pratt & Whitney Canada. "By being part of the full rate production of the F-35, Canada stands to generate far more revenue from selling our products and services, than Canada will spend buying our fighters," added Greg Yeldon, President of Esterline CMC Electronics.

Several also noted that because the F-35 will be supplied around the world, the overall cost of the aircraft will be lower than if Canada were selecting the aircraft independently.  "Given that the F-35 is the best fit for the requirements of our military, this is a good deal for taxpayers and for our industry.  Canada will see long-term benefits that come with economies of scale and even greater opportunities based on this timely Government decision and the technology transfers it facilitates," noted Paul Kalil, President of Avcorp Industries Inc. 

James Butyniec, President and Chief Executive Officer of Magellan Aerospace went on to point out that, "the Joint Strike Fighter is built and assembled like never before.  Its advanced manufacturing processes can be thought of as 'fifth generation' matching the fifth generation performance features of the aircraft."

The industry presidents expressed concern that uncertainty or delay may cost jobs and investment and that Canada risks being left behind if the decision to purchase the fighters is postponed. Potential delays in investment decisions will result in eliminating jobs for the future. "We have a short window of approximately 24 months to maximize our participation in the full rate production for this aircraft, and any uncertainty or delay creates risks for our industry," said Maurice Guitton, CEO of Composites Atlantic Ltd. 

"Canada has a leading position in training our pilots and our maintenance technicians," said Marc Parent, CAE's President and CEO.  "With the Canadian government purchasing the F-35, we expect Canadian companies to be able to compete to train pilots and maintenance technicians and provide long-term high quality jobs in various parts of the country."

The purchase of the F-35 presents a unique opportunity for Canadian industry to participate on a new platform and develop state-of-the-art technologies and processes in manufacturing.  The knowledge can be applied to future opportunities in both defence and civil aerospace programs.  The JSF program is the largest advanced technology opportunity ever presented to Canadian industry, and our industry is engaged across our entire country.  

The AIAC is the national association representing Canada's aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world's fifth largest aerospace industry, Canada's aerospace sector generated in 2009 over $22 billion and employed nearly 80,000 Canadians. Seventy-eight per cent of Canadian aerospace products were exported. AIAC represents the interests of 400 aerospace companies across Canada.

For further information:

Maryse Harvey,Vice-President Public Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, 613 760-4562, [email protected].