The United States aircraft manufacturer Boeing has announced investments totalling $240 million in Canada, focused on aviation innovation and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
All three investments will be directed towards enterprises in Québec, the French-speaking province of Canada.
An investment of $110 million will go to the Espace Aéro Innovation Zone to build an Aerospace Development Centre.
Boeing will invest $95 million in Wisk Aero, a Montreal-based engineering company currently developing an autonomous, electric, 4-passenger eVTOL air taxi.
The remaining $35 million will be invested in research on advanced landing gear in partnership with Héroux-Devtek.
These investments by Boeing highlight the company’s commitment to fostering aviation innovation and exploring the potential of eVTOL technology, with a particular focus on the aerospace hub of Québec.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to expand our team, tap further into the exceptional aerospace talent in Québec, and bring us one step closer to making our mission of bringing safe, everyday flight to everyone a reality.”
Pointing to existing expertise in the province, Boeing Global’s president Brendan Nelson explained the investment choices.
“Quebec’s aerospace capabilities are recognized worldwide, and we are excited to partner with the province on new initiatives that will generate cutting-edge technologies, drive economic growth and support decarbonisation of aviation,” he said.
“These investments serve as a testament to Canada’s aviation leadership and exemplify Boeing’s unwavering commitment to the country, where we have been driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the nation for over a century,” Nelson added.
Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne said the benefits were not just for Boeing. He stated that through the establishment of this cutting-edge Aerospace Development Centre, Canada will also gain from Boeing’s strategic investments in prominent Canadian companies.