Canadian Business Thread

[James Bond Agent 007]

Airbus targets helicopter production in Canada

Airbus SE sees an opportunity to build helicopters in Canada for global export if it wins upcoming government contracts, as the country embarks on a historic defence spending spree and pushes to expand manufacturing jobs.

The European firm already employs more than 5,000 people in Canada, and it’s now growing its ambitions as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government seeks closer ties with Europe, said Olivier Michalon, executive vice-president of global business for Airbus Helicopters.

“Clearly, if Airbus helicopters are selected for any of the big upcoming campaigns and there is an industrial project which is tied to this contract, it’s an opportunity to export what would be manufactured here to the worldwide market,” he said in an interview in Ottawa.