The Canadian aerospace industry can stand out thanks to the development of green technologies, believes the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, who is participating in the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom.
“I want the entire aerospace industry to recognize Canada as a green supplier of choice to the industry,” said the Minister in a telephone interview. I think we all have a mission to green supply chains. »
In this regard, Quebec is a leader in the industry, the Minister believes. “Soon, we will be able to make green aluminum, green steel, he lists. We are in the process of developing technologies that will allow us to develop new, lighter materials. In addition, we are in the process of developing various options in biofuels, even hydrogen. »
This promotion of Canada’s “green” potential comes as the UK is going through an unprecedented heat wave with the mercury hovering around 40 degrees Celsius and the environmental footprint of aviation being a subject of increasing discussion. Industry advocates point to efforts to reduce emissions while critics question the relevance of air travel in the fight against climate change.
Although the sector’s emissions remain modest, representing approximately 3% of the global total, the number of air travelers remains confined to a small pool of the world’s population. When looking at the environmental impact for a single person, an airplane flight becomes more significant.
The large multinational aerospace companies are increasingly receptive to the imperative to reduce their carbon emissions, notes Mr. Champagne. “We are talking about an aviation that will be more sustainable. It is clear that it is in everyone’s head. People want to save fuel first, and the way to do that is with technologies, and I think everyone wants aviation that is more sustainable for decades to come. And that positions Canada very well. »
An example of the intentions of a multinational that has an impact in Canada: the French multinational Airbus, which assembles the A220 aircraft in Mirabel, in the Laurentians, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Last year, it joins a group of Quebec companies within the SAF+ Consortium with a view to producing biofuel in Montreal.
A first show since the pandemic
The Farnborough Airshow, which is held every two years in even years, is back after being canceled in 2020. For its part, the Paris Air Show in France, which takes place in odd years, had been canceled in 2021.
The return of Farnborough therefore marks the first high mass of aviation since Le Bourget in 2019. Besides Canada, attention will turn to the announcements of the two rivals Boeing and Airbus at a time when the airline industry seems to be giving signs recovery, despite airport disruptions, supply chain challenges and fears of a possible recession.
Airbus had already indicated that it foresees a need for 39,500 new aircraft over the next twenty years. Boeing, for its part, believes that the number of aircraft will increase by 82%, again over the next twenty years.
Representatives of more than 80 Canadian companies, 25 of which have a booth on site, are present at the Farnborough Airshow.
Being able to interact with major players in the industry is very important for Canadian companies, believes Mr. Champagne, who will meet with leaders from Airbus, Boeing, de Havilland and Mitsubishi, in particular. ” That makes all the difference. This is an opportunity to strengthen these relationships [entre les entreprises canadiennes et les différents acteurs de l’industrie]. »