Boeing has followed through on its pledge to invest $110 million in Montreal’s Espace Aéro innovation zone to help advance aerospace innovation and strengthen Quebec’s competitiveness in the global sector.

The investment has broad commercial real estate implications.

Aéro Montréal, which oversees Quebec’s aerospace cluster, signed a memorandum of agreement with Boeing, confirming that the global aerospace and aviation manufacturer will Espace Aéro, a hub that includes the Montreal borough of Saint-Laurent and the city’s suburbs of Longueil, Que., and Mirabel, Que.

The funds are earmarked for a new development centre in the Saint-Laurent borough, supporting initiatives in advanced manufacturing, sustainable aviation, and aerospace training, including collaborations with industry, academia, and government partners. 

“This announcement marks a strategic and promising moment for Quebec’s aerospace industry,” said Pascal Désilets, executive- director of Espace Aéro. “Boeing’s investment will enable the concrete deployment of our vision across Espace Aéro’s three hubs in Montreal, Mirabel, and Longueuil. It will accelerate the development of projects focused on decarbonization and autonomy, while fostering collaboration among companies, research centres, and educational institutions to further position Quebec as a global leader in aerospace innovation.”

Boeing’s investment comes after the federal government awarded the global aerospace and aviation company a $10.4-billion contract to build 16 P-8A Poseidon airplanes under the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program. 

“Our CAD$110-million Industrial and Technological Benefits investment, stemming from Canada’s selection of the P–8A Poseidon, will drive R&D, broaden supply–chain opportunities, and help strengthen Québec’s aerospace ecosystem for decades to come,” said Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada.

In addition, the Quebec government announced that it will invest $2 million in the business plan for the Collaborative Aerospace and Mobility Innovation Center (CCIAM), to be established at the Montreal Espace Aéro location, complemented by a $3-million private contribution from Boeing.

Photo: Espace Aéro