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Airbus Helicopters marks 40 years in Canada

Airbus celebrated 40 years of operations in Canada by highlighting an previously announced order by the Government of Ontario for three Airbus H135 helicopters for the Ontario Provincial Police in Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area and in the OPP’s North West (Thunder Bay) Region.

Airbus Helicopters established its Fort Erie, Ontario, facility in 1984 which the company describes as the foundation of its presence in Canada. Since the construction of the first helicopter production centre in Ontario, the company’s presence in the Canadian aerospace industry covers the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus is now established in several Canadian cities in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec, including its A220 commercial airline final assembly line and program headquarters in Mirabel.

At an official celebration held at Airbus Helicopters’ Fort Erie facility in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, and other dignitaries, joined in commemorating the company’s 40 years of contributions to Canada’s aerospace industry.

“For 40 years, Airbus has been an important part of the community here in Fort Erie, helping create good-paying manufacturing jobs for our world-class Ontario workers, with economic benefits that have stretched across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so pleased to be here to congratulate the incredible team for their success over the last 40 years, and to announce that our government is continuing to support Ontario manufacturing workers by ordering three new Airbus H135 helicopters that will be used by the OPP to fight auto theft and keep communities safe.”

In Ontario alone, Airbus Helicopters employs around 300 people. Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. There are over 760 Airbus helicopters in service and more than 220 operators across Canada. In 2023, Airbus helicopters in Canada accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie Ontario facility completes, customizes, and delivers helicopters for Canadian customers, and is described by the company as a centre of excellence for light single gearboxes, and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe.

“Over the past four decades, Airbus Helicopters in Canada has grown to be a key player in our aerospace industry,” Dwayne Charette, President, Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “Our success has been driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and close collaboration with our customers. As we celebrate this major milestone, it’s especially meaningful to see our trusted partners in law enforcement continue to choose us to support their vital missions. Thank you to the Ontario Provincial Police for their trust. This order is a testament to the strength of our relationships and our ongoing commitment to delivering solutions that meet the unique needs of those who safeguard our communities in Ontario.”