Montréal, World Capital of Civil Aviation - The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) chooses Montréal

MONTREAL, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), representing some 100,000 pilots worldwide, today inaugurated its new headquarters in Montréal. The event, attended by numerous guests from the civil aviation sector and business world, is the culmination of a successful collaboration between IFALPA and Montréal International (MI), which supported the international organization throughout its relocation from London, England, to Montréal.

"We are pleased to officially welcome IFALPA among the ranks of the 60-some international organizations headquartered in Montréal, which together form a cohesive, dynamic and diversified community, enabling Montréal to position itself as the most international city in Canada," declared Jacques St-Laurent, President and CEO of Montréal International.

According to IFALPA President, Captain Don Wykoff, "IFALPA's arrival in Montréal marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Federation's work. This is a golden opportunity to work with other industry stakeholders who are already located in the Greater Montréal area, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI), toward the common goal of implementing the highest possible level of security for the global air transport system." He went on to add, "The civil aviation industry is progressing at an unprecedented rate and IFALPA has a duty to be front and centre in the decision-making process. And front and centre is right here, in Montréal."

Government support
Mr. St-Laurent also thanked Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions, Québec's Ministère des Relations internationales and the City of Montréal for their financial support: "The governments' contribution to the Montréal International Development Fund is essential to enable MI to attract international organizations, foreign companies and strategic talents to the Greater Montréal area."

"The arrival of IFALPA in Montréal is wonderful news for the city's economy. This organization will help to consolidate our civil aviation expertise at the international level," stated the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for Québec Regions.

"With IFALPA's arrival in Montréal, the city can now boast yet another international aeronautics and aerospace firm, further solidifying its role as a global hub for these high-tech sectors," stated Jean-François Lisée, Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.

"This is great news that once again emphasizes Montréal's status as an international city, a city without borders that's home to numerous high-profile international organizations. IFALPA's relocation here reinforces Montréal's role as one of the world's leading aerospace and aeronautics centres, with ten companies specializing in this sector of the economy. We welcome IFALPA's representatives to our beautiful city," declared Richard Deschamps, Vice-President of the Executive Committee, responsible for economic development, infrastructures and large projects.

About IFALPA
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) was created during a conference of pilots' associations held in London in April 1948 for the express purpose of providing a formal means for the airline pilots of the world to interact with the then newly formed UN body the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). IFALPA's mission is to be the global voice of professional pilots by providing representation, services and support in order to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide.

About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Created in 1996, Montréal International (MI) is the result of a private-public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of Greater Montréal and enhance its international status. Its mandate is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International—a non-profit organization—is financed by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract $8.7 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 47,000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed almost half of some 65 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and attract and retain more than 7,500 qualified foreign workers. 

SOURCE: International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations - IFALPA

Céline Clément
Communications Advisor
Montréal International
[phone]
[email protected]

Kelly Bennett
Office Manager
IFALPA - The Global Voice of Pilots
[phone] ext. 225
[email protected]