Boeing uses a first-in-industry in-line production system to produce the P-8, leveraging the best of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Defense for development and production. Photo credit: boeing.ca
PARKSVILLE – Indigenous-owned aerospace and defence company COTA Aviation is receiving $13 million for Indigenous skills training and equipment to increase component production, as part of Boeing’s $61 million investment in Industrial and Technological Benefits for Canada’s selection of the P-8A Poseidon for Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft.
$48 million will be dedicated to Boeing Vancouver for data analytics technologies to enhance program management, aircraft sustainability and performance. Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.
The COTA Aviation portion will equip the company with advanced manufacturing equipment, enhancing their capability and capacity to produce commercial and military aircraft components. IT will also enable COTA to establish a dedicated hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility.
Dorian Cota, President of COTA Aviation
Dorian Cota, President of COTA Aviation, says Boeing’s investment greatly helps COTA meet growing capacity requirements while addressing a shortage of skilled labour and developing the workforce of tomorrow, adding “We are proud to partner with Boeing to enhance our training and grow our operations that will shape the future of aerospace in British Columbia.”
The investment in Boeing Vancouver will fund a suite of research and development technologies in support of company programs, project management tools for increased collaboration with customers, and analytics to optimize aircraft maintenance, sustainability and performance for crewed and autonomous flight.
“This collaboration is a testament to Canada’s strength in the aviation industry and reflects Boeing’s commitment to the country where we have driven innovation for over a century,” says Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada. “It’s wonderful to forge greater partnerships and growth in British Columbia where our journey began back in 1919, symbolizing our enduring dedication to shaping the future of aerospace in Canada.”
The Government of Canada announced its decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon aircraft in November 2023 as part of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project. Boeing’s investments build on more than $2 billion in P-8 contracts with Canadian companies to date. According to an independent study by Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation, the purchase will generate benefits of nearly 3,000 jobs and $358 million annually in economic output to Canada.
“Boeing’s investments in British Columbia align perfectly with our vision of a prosperous and secure future for Canada,” says Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of National Defence. “These strategic partnerships not only strengthen our aerospace industry, they help ensure Canada remains at the forefront of technological advancements, creating high-value career opportunities for generations to come.”
“Boeing’s significant investments in British Columbia underscore our commitment to advancing Canadian innovation and economic prosperity. By supporting COTA Aviation’s Indigenous skills training and bolstering Boeing Vancouver’s capabilities in data analytics, Boeing is enhancing aerospace capabilities while fostering sustainable growth and creating high-value career opportunities,” says François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Through our Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, we are dedicated to ensuring Canada remains a global leader in aerospace excellence.”
Business Examiner Staff
