“Go Jets Go!”
It’s the familiar chant of Winnipeg Jets fans in our city (you may have heard it loud and clear during our 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs run). But the slogan could also be used to celebrate Manitoba’s aerospace sector – which has been on a high-flying run of its own over the last decade.
And why wouldn’t it be? Our team is home to an impressive line-up of industry all-stars. In fact, 31 aerospace firms are either headquartered here or have major centres of operation in Winnipeg. They’re led by our starting line-up, which includes Boeing, StandardAero, Magellan Aerospace, GE Aviation, Rockwell Collins, Cormer Aerospace and Cadorath Aerospace.
If those names don’t get you excited about being a part of the team, check out our stats sheet:
- In 2017, the aerospace sector in Manitoba generated $1.03 billion in GDP, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8 per cent over the last five years.
- 4,400 highly skilled workers are employed in the industry and key partnerships with post-secondary institutions, like Red River College’s Centre for Aerospace Technology & Training (CATT), means a steady stream of 10,000 strong employment-ready graduates enter the workforce every year.
- Boeing Winnipeg's composite manufacturing plant is one of the largest in Canada, employing over 1,400 people in 800,000 square feet of space in two locations in the city.
- GE Aviation, in partnership with StandardAero, recently completed a $75 million upgrade to its one-of-a-kind engine testing facility. It’s now capable of doing cold-weather testing on the new GE9X engine.
So, why is Winnipeg the right place to land?
- We’re the number one most cost-competitive city in the U.S. and Western Canada according to KPMG.
- Our economy is highly diverse, stable and collaborative - meaning you can always get the support and partnerships you need to succeed.
- We have among the lowest utility rates in North America, thanks in part to our wealth of renewable hydro-electricity.
- We’re positioned at North America’s geographic centre and home to the continent’s largest tri-modal inland port, meaning once you’ve manufactured your product, you can get it to market quickly and easily.
- Strategic partnerships with organizations like Manitoba Aerospace and the Composites Innovation Centre means companies can always stay ahead of the curve.
Required Reading
- Fact sheet: Winnipeg - Where aerospace soars
- GE opens upgraded aircraft engine testing facility
- Government support helps RRC reach new heights in aviation and aeronautics training
- Manitoba Aerospace: Where Vision Takes Flight
Behind every championship team, there’s a strong and capable coach and training staff. That’s how we’d like you to think of our YES! Winnipeg team. Our business development manager Alberto Velasco-Acosta and the rest of the team is here to offer advice, guidance, and ensure you succeed on Team Winnipeg – and it’s all free of charge.
Download our Aerospace sector fact sheet by clicking the image below. We look forward to having you part of the team!
