aerospace sector

Key Industries

Aerospace

Canada is a global leader in the aerospace industry, and Manitoba proudly hosts the nation's third-largest aerospace sector. With a strong focus on aerospace product and parts manufacturing, Winnipeg is soaring to new heights.

Winnipeg is home to several industry giants:

StandardAero: The world's largest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm, with its largest operation based in Winnipeg. It also partners with GE Aviation on the operation of GE’s engine Testing, Research and Development Centre (TRDC).
Boeing Canada Winnipeg: The premier center for composites manufacturing in Canada.
Magellan Aerospace: Produces horizontal tails for the global F-35 program and hosts the Advanced Satellite Integration Facility.

Winnipeg's robust aerospace sector continues to drive innovation and excellence on a global scale, attracting investments from around the world.

Low-cost renewable electricity
Diverse, stable economy
Strategic and central location

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Industry Highlights

The GE Aviation engine Testing, Research and Development Centre (TRDC) is owned by GE and operated by Standard Aero. Located at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, it serves as the primary facility for icing and cold weather testing, all-weather development, and comprehensive engine and equipment testing.

Winnipeg is home to several post-secondary educational institutions that serve the aerospace industry. The University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, RRC Polytech and Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) offer programs that produce highly skilled workers in mechanical engineering, computer science, aircraft maintenance engineering and the overhaul of all types of aircraft.

The Neeginan College of Applied Technology at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, collaborates with Manitoba Aerospace to empower Indigenous people to participate in the aerospace industry. Through this partnership, CAHRD provides comprehensive education and training, job preparation, and employment assistance, helping to bridge the gap and create meaningful career opportunities in aerospace for Indigenous communities.

Sector Success Stories

Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.

Boeing Winnipeg is the largest aerospace composite manufacturer in Canada, producing over 500 end item composite parts and assemblies for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It employs approximately 1,500 people in a 700,000 sq. ft. facility, playing a crucial role in the production of Boeing's innovative parts.

Magellan Aerospace

Magellan Aerospace's Winnipeg facility has produced five satellites currently orbiting Earth, including one that has been providing data for over 20 years. Additionally, Magellan has developed space avionics for interplanetary exploration, including components produced in Winnipeg that are currently on a spacecraft orbiting Mars.

StandardAero

StandardAero, a leading independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, has a significant presence in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With multiple facilities across the city, StandardAero has established itself as a cornerstone of the local aerospace industry, contributing to its growth and innovation.

GE Aviation Engine Testing, Research & Development Centre (TRDC)

GE Aviation's Testing, Research, and Development Centre (TRDC) in Winnipeg has undergone significant upgrades, enhancing its capabilities to test aircraft engines. Operated by StandardAero, this state-of-the-art facility is renowned for its unique cold-weather testing environment and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing aircraft engine technology and innovation.

MicroPilot

MicroPilot, based in Manitoba, is a world leader in professional drone autopilots, serving more than 1,500 clients in 100 countries. Its comprehensive services include training, integration, flight testing, and custom development, making MicroPilot a pivotal player in the global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry.

Fast Facts

34

Total aerospace companies
(Winnipeg, 2023)
4,232

Total aerospace employees
(Manitoba, 2023)
$788M

Total aerospace GDP
(Manitoba, 2022)

Research & Development

Red River College

Key Network

Manitoba Aerospace

Manitoba Aerospace is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization representing aerospace and defence companies and stakeholders. It drives sustainable global business growth for Manitoba's aerospace and defence sectors through collaboration, innovation, supply chain development and workforce development initiatives.

Manitoba Aviation Council

The Manitoba Aviation Council (MAC) is an organization representing the aviation community in Manitoba. MAC’s mission is to promote, facilitate and protect the development of all facets of aviation within the province of Manitoba.

West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD®)

West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD®) is an economic development research and development (R&D) corporation that leverages private industry and government investments to enhance technical capacity, job growth and economic impact. It focuses on the aerospace and defence sectors, including aero-engine testing, R&D, evaluation, engine repair and related industrial activities.

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is the only international airport in Manitoba. It is a multi-modal facility and is one of several 24-hour airports in Canada. The airport is operated by the Winnipeg Airports Authority as part of Transport Canada’s National Airports System and is one of eight Canadian airports that have U.S. Border Pre-Clearance Facilities.