The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) is a nonprofit research institute supporting the aerospace industry through research, economic development, and workforce initiatives. As part of our ongoing Member Spotlight series, we are delighted to feature Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster. Since its establishment in 2006, Aéro Montréal has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in one of the world’s leading aerospace hubs.
Consolidating Québec’s Global Aerospace Leadership
Aéro Montréal unites key stakeholders from industry, government, and academia to ensure Québec’s aerospace sector remains globally competitive. With 2023 sales having generated $20.9 billion, nearly 80% of which come from exports, and employing close to 41,700 workers, Montréal stands as the third-largest aerospace hub globally, following Toulouse and Seattle.
Caption: Mélanie Lussier, president of Aéro Montréal.
“By 2025, Aéro Montréal aims to consolidate Quebec's leadership in sustainable aerospace innovation,” said Mélanie Lussier, president of Aéro Montréal. “Our priorities include accelerating the ecological transition of our supply chain, improving the competitiveness of our SMEs through cutting-edge technologies, and maintaining good international relations, which are indispensable as part of a globally integrated value chain and in a dynamic geo-political context. Aéro Montréal will also continue its efforts to attract and retain the talent that will be essential to building a stronger, more resilient aerospace ecosystem for the future.”
Advancing Sustainability and Innovation
At the forefront of Aéro Montréal’s initiatives is the Espace Aéro Innovation Zone, a collaboration hub dedicated to decarbonization and autonomy. This strategic zone leverages Montréal, Mirabel, and Longueuil’s strengths to foster cooperation between industry players, research institutions, and government. Recent investments, such as Boeing’s $240 million CAD commitment to Québec’s aerospace innovation, illustrate the region’s potential to lead sustainable advancements in the sector.
Caption: Espace Aéro: an innovation zone announced as part of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum Aéro Montréal Photo
A Strategic Partnership with OAI
The partnership between Aéro Montréal and the Ohio Aerospace Institute represents a significant step in fostering North American aerospace collaboration.
“The partnership between Aéro Montréal and the Ohio Aerospace Institute represents a powerful alliance for North American aerospace, and even more particularly, for the bi-national region of the Great Lakes, said Lussier.
Caption: GLASTA logo
In 2022, the Great Lakes Aviation and Space Technology Alliance (GLASTA) was established through a bi-national Memorandum of Understanding between OAI, the Council of the Great Lakes Region, and Aéro Montréal. GLASTA's mission is to strategically explore regional opportunities for collaborative innovation, supply chain enhancement, and business development within the aerospace sector.
Caption: GLASTA Symposium event photo collage.
The inaugural GLASTA Symposium, held in October 2023 at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, brought together industry leaders, academic experts, and government representatives from both the U.S. and Canada. The event focused on developments in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and space sectors, highlighting current research, infrastructure, supply chain dynamics, and future collaborative possibilities. Presentations from organizations such as NASA, Bombardier, and Kent State University exemplified the symposium's emphasis on innovation and cross-border cooperation.
"Together, we can attract new business, drive innovation, strengthen our supply chains, and improve our global competitiveness,” said Lussier. “This collaboration shows how two leading ecosystems can come together to tackle common challenges and seize new opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future in aerospace.”
Meeting Workforce Challenges
Aéro Montréal also prioritizes workforce development, with an estimated 37,000 aerospace positions to be filled in Québec over the next decade. Through partnerships with educational institutions and innovative initiatives, the organization is addressing talent shortages and ensuring the sector’s sustainability.
A Bright Future for Aerospace
Aéro Montréal’s comprehensive action plan, which focuses on sustainability, competitiveness, and global collaboration, ensures the continued success of Québec’s aerospace industry. By working closely with partners like OAI, Aéro Montréal exemplifies the importance and influence of strategic alliances to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, setting the stage for a thriving, innovative aerospace ecosystem.
For more information about Aéro Montréal, visit: aeromontreal.ca
To learn more about becoming a member of the Ohio Aerospace Institute, contact: Kim Holizna, managing director of Global Development and Programs, here.
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About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.