Aerospace & Defence

Winnipeg’s aerospace industry is well supported by these local organizations. This is where innovation takes off.

Manitoba Aviation Council (MAC) (opens in new window)

The Manitoba Aviation Council (MAC) represents Manitoba’s aviation community — promoting, facilitating and protecting the development of all aviation aspects in the province.​ Its members include representatives from general aviation; air operators/carriers, airports; flight schools; those who service, maintain and repair aircraft; and support service providers to the aviation industry.

Manitoba Aerospace (opens in new window)

Manitoba Aerospace is a membership based, not-for-profit organization representing aerospace and defense companies, driving sustainable global growth for Manitoba’s aerospace industry.​

WestCaRD (opens in new window)

West Canitest R&D Inc. (WestCaRD®) is an economic development R&D corporation leveraging private and government investments to boost technical capacity, job growth and economic impact in aerospace and defense. It partners with GE and StandardAero to operate GE’s Testing, Research and Development Centre at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.​​

EnviroTREC (opens in new window)

EnviroTREC, a non-profit, partners with GLACIER (a Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney venture).

It owns the test systems and thrust stand at the GLACIER Facility in Thompson, Manitoba — the world’s most advanced engine icing certification site.​

This city is home to several aerospace industry giants.

StandardAero, the world's biggest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm has its largest operation in Winnipeg, which continues to grow. As part of the government of Canada’s regional defence investment initiative, it recently received an additional $8-million in funding that is being used for a 70,000 sq. ft. expansion of its Winnipeg facility. StandardAero also partners with GE Aviation on the operation of GE’s engine Testing, Research and Development Centre (TRDC) at Richardson International Airport.

Boeing Canada Winnipeg is the country’s largest aerospace composite manufacturer, producing hundreds of composite parts for Boeing’s commercial airplanes along with defense derivatives like the E-7 Wedgetail and P-8 Poseidon. Having been operating in the city for over half a century, Boeing Canada Winnipeg continues to grow with a new $36-million commitment to advance composite aerospace manufacturing research and development projects here in the city.

Magellan Aerospace manufactures and engineers complex aeroengine components and assemblies, including producing the horizontal tails for the global F-35 program. A pioneer in Canada’s space industry, Magellan Aerospace’s work has been integral in more than 130 space missions, while the company partnered with the University of Manitoba to create the Advanced Satellite Integration Facility at Magellan’s Winnipeg campus.

Winnipeg is home to several post-secondary educational institutions that serve the aerospace industry. 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.

These educational partnerships include: the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at RRC Polytech, the Centre for Aerospace Technology and Training (CATT) co-located at StandardAero, and the STARLab at University of Manitoba.