Nouvelles

Canada's aviation and aerospace industries will play a key role in the creation of innovation superclusters similar to Silicon Valley. Air Canada and PAL Aerospace are among hundreds of companies involved in creating five superclusters across Canada, with a $950 million investment from the federal government that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the private sector. “We think this is important for Canada,” said Catherine Dyer, chief information officer for Air Canada, in an interview with Skies. “We really view ourselves as a leader in this space, and to build capability in this part of the country, and more broadly for Canada, are two things that we think go very nicely together.” Air Canada will be part of the Quebec-based SCALE.AI supercluster, which aims to use artificial intelligence and robotics to build intelligent supply chains, making Canada a world-leading exporter. “Our hope around this is that it will help us become more efficient in how we deal in our operations excellence program, as well as in our cargo business,” said Dyer. “But from my perspective it has got probably further-reaching opportunities in terms of how we enable employees and customers in creating that Air Canada experience that we're all very focused on. “So most immediately it's going to be focused on the logistics components of our business. But we do believe that artificial intelligence, more generally, has got some fairly broad-reaching implications for our company.” Air Canada was a key player in creating the supercluster submission in late 2017 and sees its involvement as a step toward becoming a global leader in supply chain management. SCALE.AI includes 120 partners across Canada from a wide range of industries, including transportation, telecommunications, mining, food, and oil and gas. “We [Air Canada] would be looking at how we could use artificial intelligence to help us see things maybe we don't see when we're looking at it with human brains,” said Dyer. “That really is the purpose of artificial intelligence, is to take the collective wisdom of many people, and the computing power of machines, and apply it to the business problems that we have today.” Air Canada plans to use artificial intelligence to develop new tools that allow it to better manage cargo capacity, resulting in better customer service. “Timeliness is essential when shipping fresh products and employees will have better tools to forecast the need for space in temperature controlled facilities, facilitate tracking and ensure timely delivery,” said Isabelle Arthur, senior media relations manager for Air Canada, in a statement. “Air Canada already uses artificial intelligence in revenue management, to forecast aircraft maintenance, in marketing, in elevating customer experience and communications by partnering with government, universities in Toronto and Montreal to help Canada retake a leadership position.” PAL Aerospace will be part of the Ocean Supercluster in Atlantic Canada, which plans to use innovation to improve competitiveness in ocean-based industries like fisheries, oil and gas, and clean energy. The company will design and execute projects that encourage collaboration with other supercluster members, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academic institutions, said Derek F. Scott, vice-president of program development for PAL Aerospace, in a statement to Skies. “We aim to use supercluster initiatives to advance our digitalization objectives in our modern ocean surveillance programs such as the ice management services we continue to provide the oil and gas industry today,” he said. “In addition, we intend to use the program to advance opportunities to strategically insert other entities such as SME companies into our solution and supply chain for our domestic and international customers.” He noted Canada has the longest coastline in the world, which spans some of the most challenging ocean environments, including the North Atlantic. “Innovation is a solution to challenge, and Canada has an ocean of opportunity to drive innovation into technologies and capabilities that contribute to Canada's economic growth, sustainability and export growth,” said Scott “PAL Aerospace is a leading example of how ocean innovation contributed to its success and the Ocean Supercluster initiative will now give us an opportunity to capitalize on that strength and create even more success for PAL Aerospace and for those companies and entities that work with us on the program.” Along with the SCALE.AI and Ocean superclusters, three others are planned: The Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster in Ontario, which aims to connect Canada's technology strengths to its manufacturing industry; The Protein Industries Supercluster, based in the Prairies, which intends to make Canada a leading source for plant proteins; and The Digital Technology Supercluster, based in British Columbia, which will use big data and digital technologies to unlock new potential in sectors like healthcare, forestry and manufacturing. More than 450 businesses, 60 post-secondary institutions and 180 other participants are involved in the five supercluster initiatives, according to a government news release. It's expected the superclusters will create 50,000 middle-class jobs and grow Canada's economy by $50 billion over the next 10 years. https://www.skiesmag.com/news/silicon-valley-style-innovation-clusters-include-aviation-companies/

OTTAWA — The federal government says Boeing has been approved to participate in an upcoming competition to replace Canada's CF-18s, though the U.S. aerospace giant says it still hasn't decided whether it will actually bid. Public Services and Procurement Canada says Boeing, which makes the Super Hornet jet, is one of five companies approved as potential bidders in the multibillion-dollar competition to deliver 88 new aircraft. Boeing had remained on the fence when asked whether it would throw its hat in the ring, saying it was waiting to see how the government would run the competition, which will formally kick off next year. The comments appeared to be in response to the government's plan to change future competitions for military equipment, including fighter jets, to penalize companies deemed to be hurting Canada's economic interests. The proposed change is believed to be a direct response to Boeing's complaints against Bombardier over the latter's C Series passenger jet, which were largely thrown out last month by the U.S. International Trade Commission. OTTAWA — The federal government says Boeing has been approved to participate in an upcoming competition to replace Canada's CF-18s, though the U.S. aerospace giant says it still hasn't decided whether it will actually bid. Public Services and Procurement Canada says Boeing, which makes the Super Hornet jet, is one of five companies approved as potential bidders in the multibillion-dollar competition to deliver 88 new aircraft. Boeing had remained on the fence when asked whether it would throw its hat in the ring, saying it was waiting to see how the government would run the competition, which will formally kick off next year. The comments appeared to be in response to the government's plan to change future competitions for military equipment, including fighter jets, to penalize companies deemed to be hurting Canada's economic interests. The proposed change is believed to be a direct response to Boeing's complaints against Bombardier over the latter's C Series passenger jet, which were largely thrown out last month by the U.S. International Trade Commission. http://ottawacitizen.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/government-approves-boeings-participation-in-upcoming-fighter-competition/wcm/37f57463-1987-47c3-9e9d-ddb2c2dbf338

Publication of the names of entities forming the Suppliers on the Suppliers List This notice is provided in accordance with article 4.2 of the Suppliers List Invitation to publish the names of the entities forming the Suppliers on the Suppliers List. Gouvernement de la République Française - Dassault Aviation (with Thales DMS France SAS and Safran Aircraft Engines) United States Government - Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company) United States Government - The Boeing Company Swedish Government - SAAB AB (publ) - Aeronautics Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Airbus Defense and Space GmbH https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-NGF-002-26574

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN More from David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen Published on: February 16, 2018 | Last Updated: February 16, 2018 1:40 AM EST Feb. 9 was the deadline for companies to apply to the Canadian government to be on the supplier's list for the new program to provide a fleet of fighter jets. Being on that list is a requirement to be able to enter the competition to provide Canada with 88 new fighter aircraft. Public Services and Procurement Canada was looking at having the list formalized by Feb. 12, at which time they would make it public. The reason for the fast turnaround is because it is relatively easy to be included on the list – essentially a manufacturer has to have a fighter jet currently in production. But the list has yet to be formalized. Procurement Canada said they are still working on the list but offered no explanation about the delay. But expect the major aircraft manufacturers who have indicated previous interest in the competition. They are: Lockheed Martin with the F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale, and Saab's Gripen. Sources are also indicating that Boeing will join the competition with Super Hornet....perhaps an Advanced Super Hornet? http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/names-of-aircraft-manufacturers-on-suppliers-list-for-canadas-new-fighter-jet-still-a-mystery

MDA, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), announced it has signed a contract valued at approximately $8 million with Canada's Department of National Defence (DND) to provide maritime miniature unmanned aircraft systems (MMUAS). The contract also includes services to support training, resource and equipment development activities and development and validation of naval tactics and new capability development. The MMUAS will play a critical role by extending the reach of the communication and sensor capability over contentious or hostile areas during maritime security operations. MDA's solution is based on the Puma AE (All Environment) unmanned aircraft built by Aerovironment. The Puma AE system will provide the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Puma has the ability to carry additional payloads as required for specific missions. The MMUAS is the first UAS project that will see the RCN operate and maintain its own capability and provide a sustainable shipborne, near real-time, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) ISR capability with an expected introduction to the fleet in the summer of 2018 onboard Kingston-class ships. Capable of both ground and water landings, Puma AE's innovative fuselage offers an operational flexibility never before available to the RCN. The Puma AE is operated from the same control station as the Raven UAS which has been provided by MDA to the Canadian Army since 2013. MDA's Canadian-based UAS services group has been providing UAS systems and services to Canada's DND since 2009. Mike Greenley, group president for MDA, said: “We are very proud to once again, expand our unmanned aircraft systems and services to support Canada's Department of National Defence needs. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/mda-provide-unmanned-aircraft-systems-royal-canadian-navy/

13-Feb-2018 Halifax, Canada - As one of the three major air shows in the world, the Singapore Air Show hosts aviation industry participants from all over the world. At this year's event, Air Asia Company Limited has a delegation led by Chairman Lu Tian-lin to meet with aviation companies to discuss cooperation opportunities. On February 6, Air Asia Company Limited signed an MOU with IMP Aerospace & Defence to form a strategic partnership in the pursuit and sustainment of P-3 and C-130 aircraft modification and maintenance work. IMP Aerospace & Defence is a world-renowned aircraft maintenance and engineering company with operating units from coast to coast in Canada and certifications from numerous aircraft original manufacturers. IMP has a rich history and much experience in maintenance of numerous aircraft types including P-3 and C-130 logistics and engineering support. As a result of this cooperation, Air Asia Company Limited and IMP will be able to better serve customers in the areas of modification engineering, aircraft performance enhancements and material support to improve aircraft maintenance, longevity, and operating efficiency. The President of IMP Aerospace & Defence, Mr. David Gossen, looks forward to this strategic agreement assisting in the promotion of both companies' world class capabilities in today's competitive marketplace. About IMP Aerospace IMP Aerospace & Defence, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a full service aerospace and defence organization with over 65 years of experience serving both national and international customers in the aerospace, space, naval, and land sectors. The organization comprises six operations with over 2,400 engineering, technical and support staff across Canada specializing in a diversified line of manufacturing, engineering and In Service Support services. For additional information please contact; Carl Kumpic Vice President International Marketing IMP Aerospace & Defence Direct: (902) 873-2250 e-mail: carl.kumpic@impaad.com Website: www.impaad.com https://www.impgroup.com/newsitem.aspx?mid=E554FA9F-5812-4866-B534-13AE55D4F516

DAVID LJUNGGREN OTTAWA REUTERS UPDATED FEBRUARY 15, 2018 Boeing Co, locked in a trade dispute with the Canadian government, has applied to stay in the race to supply Canada with 88 new fighter jets, three well-placed sources said on Thursday. Companies had until Feb. 9 to express an interest in taking part in a competition for planes worth between $15-billion and $19-billion. Ottawa will release its specifications next year, at which point firms can bid. Boeing did let Canada know it was interested, said the sources, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The decision does not mean the firm will necessarily put forward its F-18 Super Hornet. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. aerospace company infuriated the Canadian government last year by launching a trade challenge against planemaker Bombardier Inc, accusing it of dumping airliners in the American market. Although a U.S. trade commission dismissed the complaint on Jan. 26, Boeing can still appeal the decision or launch another complaint against the Canadian firm. Well-informed sources said last week Ottawa has made clear to Boeing that its chances of winning the 88-jet deal would be harmed if it pursued the Bombardier case. Defense experts say Lockheed Martin Corp's new F-35 stealth fighter is likely the front runner. Dassault Aviation SA and Airbus SE also are expected to compete, but with planes that first flew in the 1990s. Ottawa says bids will be evaluated in part on the basis of "past and recent economic behavior of potential bidders leading up to the procurement." That test is months away from being finalized, meaning Boeing has no idea whether Ottawa would be satisfied if it did drop the challenge, the sources said. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/boeing-still-in-race-to-supply-canada-with-fighter-jets-sources/article37993487/

Richmond, BC - MDA, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR), announced today that it has signed a contract with an unnamed international customer. MDA will provide turnkey, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) surveillance services. The contract includes options for additional years. MDA's UAS service will use a fleet of Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 rotary-wing unmanned aircraft to provide surveillance information. MDA will be responsible for all aspects of the service including acquisition of all the systems and required infrastructure, training, airworthiness, logistics, supply chain, maintenance and all flight operations. The S-100 aircraft is a vertical takeoff and landing UAS, which does not require a prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night and is a very capable platform for a wide range of different surveillance payloads to meet a broad set of mission requirements. MDA's UAS service will equip the S-100 fleet with L3 WESCAM MX-10 EO/IR payloads. The MX-10 is a high-performance, multi-sensor multi-spectral imaging system for tactical surveillance missions. It carries multiple sensors including both high-definition day modes and night infrared modes. The MX-10 is currently operational for twelve nations worldwide on the S-100 including Naval Shipborne customers leading to a low risk, proven solution. Mike Greenley, group president of MDA said, “MDA is a global leader and trusted partner in UAS surveillance services in challenging, complex and hostile environments. This program is a key plank in our growth strategy, offering UAS services in many different environments, and for a diverse set of missions.” About MDA MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, satellite antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. MDA's extensive space expertise and heritage translates into mission-critical defence and commercial applications that include multi-platform command, control and surveillance systems, aeronautical information systems, land administration systems and terrestrial robotics. MDA is also a leading supplier of actionable mission-critical information and insights derived from multiple data sources. Founded in 1969, MDA is recognized as one of Canada's most successful technology ventures with locations in Richmond, Ottawa, Brampton, Montreal and Halifax. MDA is Maxar Technologies company (TSX: MAXR; NYSE: MAXR). For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com. About Maxar Corporate Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is a leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets including satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides unmatched end-to-end advanced systems capabilities and integrated solutions expertise to help our customers anticipate and address their most complex mission critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 21 locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes: SSL, MDA, DigitalGlobe, and Radiant Solutions. Every day millions of people rely on Maxar Technologies to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that empower a better world. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information visit www.maxar.com. About Schiebel Founded in 1951, the Vienna-based Schiebel Group focuses on the development, testing and production of state-of-the-art mine detection equipment and the revolutionary CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS). Schiebel has built an international reputation for producing quality defense and humanitarian products, which are backed by exceptional after-sales service and support. Since 2010, Schiebel's composite division supplies high-tech customers with products of supreme carbon fiber technology – all quality-controlled to meet ISO 9001 standards. With headquarters in Vienna (Austria), Schiebel now maintains production facilities in Wiener Neustadt (Austria) and Abu Dhabi (UAE), as well as offices in Washington DC (USA) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Maxar Technologies Ltd. (the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract with an unnamed customer. Any such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include relevant contracts not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The Company cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not necessarily limited to: changes in certain priorities, mandates, funding levels, contracts and regulations; satellite failure; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov, or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com. For more information, please contact: Wendy Keyzer MDA Media Contact MDA Telephone: 1-604-231-2743 E-mail: wendy@mdacorporation.com Marissa Poratto MDA Investor Relations Telephone: 1-604-331-2044 E-mail: mporatto@maxar.com https://mdacorporation.com/news/pr/pr2018020901.html

Senior defence official says Canada will take used Aussie FA-18s as they become available It will be 2022 before the Royal Canadian Air Force receives all of the used Australian fighter jets the Liberal government intends to purchase, says senior defence official. The plan was rolled out with much fanfare at the end of last year because the air force has faced — in the words of Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan — an "urgent capability gap" and is not able to meet its NATO and Norad commitments at the same time. Pat Finn, who is in charge of the materiale branch of National Defence, told CBC News in a recent interview a final agreement is still months away. He is confident, however, everything will come together. Delivery is "staggered over three years," Finn said. The Trudeau government announced in December it would buy 18 used Australian "classic" FA-18s as an interim measure to bolster the air force until the entire Canadian fleet of CF-18s is replaced, beginning in the mid-2020s. It had wanted to buy brand new Boeing Super Hornets, the newer, bigger, more advanced version of the FA-18 and CF-18. The plan was scuttled when the manufacturer, Chicago-based Boeing, filed a trade complaint against Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier. No price tag for the Australian deal was released at the time of the formal announcement, which was made by Sajjan and Public Works Minister Carla Qualtrough. Ongoing discussions Finn said those details are still being worked out. The Liberal government said in December the first used fighters, which were purchased by Australia around the same Canada bought its CF-18s, would arrive by January 2019. Finn said the delivery schedule is being finalized, but he anticipates receiving the first two warplanes by the summer of that year. Another one would follow by the end of the year, but much depends on the Royal Australian Air Force and how quickly it retires the fighters and the age of what's being offered. "They, of course, release aircraft as they get aircraft," Finn said. "We do not necessarily want the oldest aircraft, so we would like to have an ongoing discussion." He said there is some flexibility and if "summer '19 turns into" something a few months later because they can get a better jet, then it's something that can be negotiated. The Australian government is in the process of seeking permission to sell the planes because they were originally manufactured in the U.S. Once the Australian warplanes arrive in Canada, they will need to be given life-extension modifications that will bring them up to the standard of the CF-18s, which have been modified to continuing flying until 2025. It stands in stark contrast to the urgency with which the Liberals initially painted the shortage of fighter aircraft. "In 2025, the CF-18s will not be able to fly, and it is important that we move very quickly in filling this capability gap." said Sajjan in June 2016. Finn said the air force is managing the capability gap by making more CF-18s available for operations on a daily basis. "We're basically working right now to increase the availability of our current airplanes," he said. Experts say that would mean pouring more than expected into the maintenance budget in order to keep fighters on the flight line. Urgent purchase? One defence analyst said the government has a strange definition of urgent. "Nothing about the handling of this file lines up with the identification of it as an urgent need, either the interim or the permanent purchase," said Dave Perry, an expert in procurement at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. He said he believes it will present a political headache for the Liberals come the next election. "The fact that this government may, at best, have a couple of second-hand aircraft before the next election after having identified an urgent need to acquire new fighter aircraft is just incredible," he said. When the Australian deal was announced, the government also laid out a timeline for the full replacement of the CF-18s, which were purchased in the 1980s, but extensively modified and upgraded in the early 2000s. Public Works recently held a consultation day with defence contractors, but Perry says no one seems to understand why it will take until the early 2020s to launch the competition. When the former Conservative government was struggling over whether to buy the F-35 stealth fighter, it conducted extensive research on the alternatives and possible types of warplanes Canada would need. That research, which conceivable could move things along faster, was largely discarded by the Liberals and is gathering dust on a shelf, Perry says. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/aussie-fighter-jets-1.4530875