• Investments part of Industrial and Technological Benefits for Canada’s selection of P-8 for Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft
• $13M dedicated to Indigenous skills training and equipment to increase component production at COTA Aviation
• $48M dedicated to Boeing Vancouver for data analytics technologies to enhance program management, aircraft sustainability and performance

P-8A Poseidon aircraft procurement bringing investment and economic growth to British Columbia 

Boeing will invest $61 million to benefit two British Columbia aerospace enterprises and bolster Canadian economic growth. The investments are part of Boeing’s Industrial and Technological Benefits commitment to Canada for its selection of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon to fulfill its long-range multi-mission aircraft role.

Boeing’s investment supports COTA Aviation, an Indigenous-owned aerospace and defence company based in Parksville, BC. This investment will equip COTA with advanced manufacturing equipment, enhancing their capability and capacity to produce commercial and military aircraft components. Additionally, funding will enable COTA to establish a dedicated hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility. These initiatives will contribute to job creation and skills development in British Columbia.  

Boeing is also funding a suite of research and development technologies at Boeing Vancouver 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.

“Boeing’s investments in British Columbia align perfectly with our vision of a prosperous and secure future for Canada,” said the Honourable 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,” said the Honourable 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.”

“Boeing’s substantial investments in two British Columbia aerospace companies highlight the capabilities and potential of BC’s surging aerospace industry,” said Brenda Bailey, BC’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “These investments energize the growth of local communities with good, sustainable jobs, and keep the people of BC at the centre of our blueprint for a stronger, cleaner economic future.”

Dorian Cota, President of COTA Aviation, said Boeing’s investment greatly helps COTA meet growing capacity requirements while addressing a shortage of skilled labour and developing the workforce of tomorrow. “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,” he added.

“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,” said 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.”

Canada’s investment to procure up to 16 P-8A aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), as announced by Minister Blair in November 2023, will support over 3,000 jobs and add approximately $358 million to Canada’s economy, every year for the next 10 years.

• 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, B.C. This investment will establish a hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility geared towards increasing the representation and participation of Indigenous peoples in aerospace and defence. 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. 

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Canada has finalized a government-to-government agreement with the United States (US) Government under the Foreign Military Sales program for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft are being procured, with options for up to an additional two.
• The P-8A will replace Canada’s current maritime patrol aircraft, the CP-140 Aurora. The CP-140 Aurora fleet was originally procured in 1980 and is currently scheduled to retire from service in 2030. At that point, it will have been in service for almost 50 years and is already facing significant obsolescence challenges. Procuring a new fleet is required to continue protecting Canadian sovereignty along our three coastlines.
• After significant engagement and thorough analysis, the Government of Canada is confident that the P-8A delivers the best anti-submarine and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaisscance (ISR) capabilities for our country. The aircraft will operate seamlessly with allies. This platform is a proven capability that is operated by all our Five Eyes allies—the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand—as well as other defence partners.
• The estimated investment for this project is $10.4 billion CAD; it includes up to $5.9 billion USD for the P-8A, associated equipment, simulators, training devices and sustainment set-up. The balance will cover additional investments in infrastructure and weapons.
• The first P-8A is expected to be delivered in 2026, and with an average of two aircraft delivered every three months, all of the aircraft could be delivered as early as fall 2028. We anticipate full operational capability by 2033. 
• The P-8A aircraft will be based at 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S. and 19 Wing Comox, B.C.
• Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including the Value Proposition, applies to the CMMA project. This requires that Boeing provide business activities and make investments to the Canadian economy equal to the value of its activities related to the Foreign Military Sale.
• As part of this project, Boeing will provide meaningful business activities and make targeted investments in Canadian industry to support the growth of our aerospace and defence sector. To that end, Boeing has plans to integrate Canadian companies in global supply chains, develop clean technologies and support the development of skills and training in Canada.
• This year, Canadians are celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. As we mark this anniversary, the Government is making the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force since the Second World War. In the past two years, the Government has signed deals to acquire approximately 200 new aircraft for the RCAF – including new fleets of F-35 fighter jets, P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Strategic Tanker and Transport Aircraft, training aircraft and more.