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Aerospace and Defence
Canada is a global leader in the aerospace industry, and Manitoba proudly hosts the nation's third-largest aerospace sector. With a strong focus on aerospace product and parts manufacturing, we ensure this highly specialized sector is always cleared for takeoff.
Winnipeg is home to several industry giants:
- StandardAero: The world's largest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm, with its largest operation based in Winnipeg. It also partners with GE Aviation on the operation of GE’s engine Testing, Research and Development Centre (TRDC).
- Boeing Canada Winnipeg: The premier centre for composites manufacturing in Canada.
- Magellan Aerospace: Produces horizontal tails for the global F-35 program and hosts the Advanced Satellite Integration Facility.
Founded in 1925, Canadian Forces Base (CFB; a.k.a. 17 Wing) provides a keystone platform for Canada’s defence systems.
CFB is home to key components of the Royal Canadian Air Force, including 1 Canadian Air Division (operational HQ of the RCAF and Canadian NORAD region), and 2 Canadian Air Division’s HQ and 17 Wing, which provides aircrew training and specialized education along with logistical support.
Winnipeg's robust aerospace and defence sector continues to drive innovation and excellence on a global scale, attracting investments from around the world.
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Keri Zeghers
Director of Business Development
Business Development Team
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Diverse, stable economy
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RRC Polytech
Industry Highlights
- The GE Aviation engine Testing, Research and Development Centre (TRDC) is owned by GE and operated by Standard Aero. Located at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, it serves as the primary facility for icing and cold weather testing, all-weather development, and comprehensive engine and equipment testing.
- Winnipeg is home to several post-secondary educational institutions that serve the aerospace industry. The University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg and RRC Polytech offer programs that produce highly skilled workers in mechanical engineering, computer science, aircraft maintenance engineering and the overhaul of all types of aircraft.
Sector Success Stories
Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
Boeing Winnipeg is the largest aerospace composite manufacturer in Canada, producing over 500 end item composite parts and assemblies for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It employs approximately 1,500 people in a 700,000 sq. ft. facility, playing a crucial role in the production of Boeing's innovative parts.
Magellan Aerospace
Magellan Aerospace's Winnipeg facility has produced five satellites currently orbiting Earth, including one that has been providing data for over 20 years. Additionally, Magellan has developed space avionics for interplanetary exploration, including components produced in Winnipeg that are currently on a spacecraft orbiting Mars.
StandardAero
StandardAero, a leading independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, has a significant presence in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With multiple facilities across the city, StandardAero has established itself as a cornerstone of the local aerospace industry, contributing to its growth and innovation.
GE Aviation Engine Testing, Research & Development Centre (TRDC)
GE Aviation's Testing, Research, and Development Centre (TRDC) in Winnipeg has undergone significant upgrades, enhancing its capabilities to test aircraft engines. Operated by StandardAero, this state-of-the-art facility is renowned for its unique cold-weather testing environment and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing aircraft engine technology and innovation.
MicroPilot
MicroPilot, based in Manitoba, is a world leader in professional drone autopilots, serving more than 1,500 clients in 100 countries. Its comprehensive services include training, integration, flight testing, and custom development, making MicroPilot a pivotal player in the global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry.
Fast Facts
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32
Total aerospace companies
(Winnipeg, 2024) -
4,840
Total aerospace employees
(Manitoba, 2025) -
$850M
Total aerospace GDP
(Manitoba, 2024)
Research & Development
Red River College
Key Network
Manitoba Aerospace
Manitoba Aerospace is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization representing aerospace and defence companies and stakeholders. It drives sustainable global business growth for Manitoba's aerospace and defence sectors through collaboration, innovation, supply chain development and workforce development initiatives.
Manitoba Aviation Council
The Manitoba Aviation Council (MAC) is an organization representing the aviation community in Manitoba. MAC’s mission is to promote, facilitate and protect the development of all facets of aviation within the province of Manitoba.
West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD®)
West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD®) is an economic development research and development (R&D) corporation that leverages private industry and government investments to enhance technical capacity, job growth and economic impact. It focuses on the aerospace and defence sectors, including aero-engine testing, R&D, evaluation, engine repair and related industrial activities.
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is the only international airport in Manitoba. It is a multi-modal facility and is one of several 24-hour airports in Canada. The airport is operated by the Winnipeg Airports Authority as part of Transport Canada’s National Airports System and is one of eight Canadian airports that have U.S. Border Pre-Clearance Facilities.
