The Minister of National Defense announced August 7 in Richmond that Boeing is making a $61 million in investments in British Columbia’s aerospace sector.
- Boeing will invest $48 million to build research and development capacity within Boeing’s Vancouver facility. This investment will help ensure Canada’s aerospace industry remains at the forefront of technological advancements. In particular, Boeing’s investment is geared towards data analytics technologies to enhance program management, aircraft sustainability and performance. Through the usage of complex modelling and machine learning techniques, Boeing Vancouver will develop program management tools for the sustainment of aircraft fleets, enabling its Vancouver workforce to contribute to delivering higher aircraft performance and lower sustainment costs.
- Boeing will also invest $13 million into Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation, based in Parksville. This investment will establish a hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility geared towards increasing the representation and participation of Indigenous peoples in aerospace and defense. The program will train 10 workers per year and will help develop a workforce that is capable of filling needed manufacturing positions. Workers will be trained to operate modern and advanced manufacturing equipment, including robotic automation. COTA will also assist Indigenous learners in work placement at the end of the program. These initiatives will contribute to job creation and skills development in British Columbia.