News
Aerospace sector welcomes Canada’s purchase of new Hercules aircraft

Jan. 17, 2008, Ottawa – The Aerospace Industries Association of
Canada (AIAC) has voiced its support of the federal government's decision to
purchase 17 new C-130J Hercules transport planes for Canada's military. "We
look forward to working in partnership with the Government of Canada toward
optimizing the direct industrial benefits and spin-off economic activity
spawned by today's announcement," stated AIAC president, Claude Lajeunesse.
    
Working on behalf of Canada's aerospace sector, AIAC will continue to
advocate that:

     – key in-service support (ISS) capabilities integral to the C-130J fleet
       are carried out by the Canadian-based industry; and
     – the procurement of new C-130Js be leveraged to position Canadian
       companies to fully participate in Lockheed Martin's new aerospace and
       defence programs.

    
Aerospace procurements of this size and scope come once in a generation.
Properly managed, their contribution to the growth, diversification and global
competitiveness of Canadian aerospace companies will be significant. "The
economic benefits from this announcement will be felt in communities right
across Canada," Lajeunesse said. "Our aim is to ensure that this substantial
defence investment enhances the global competitiveness of Canada's aerospace
firms operating across the defence, space, and commercial sectors."

    
The AIAC is the national trade association representing Canada's
aerospace manufacturing and services sector – the fourth largest aerospace
industry in the world, with annual sales of $22 billion; 80 per cent of which
are exported; employing more than 79,000 Canadians. The organization
represents the interests of 400 companies in all regions of the country.