Airbus has launched a new tech hub based in Mirabel to focus on "breakthroughs in aerospace technology research" and sustainability.
The Canada Tech Hub will work alongside the company's existing network of facilities in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and the Netherlands.
The European aeronatics company says the expansion of its tech network into Canada will "foster collaboration among industry leaders, academia and knowledge institutes, government, and start-ups" as well as "creating strong communities" within the industry.
Airbus Tech Hub in Canada will focus on three core technology issues: the development of sustainable materials, the exploration of decarbonisation technologies, and manufacturing and operations.
The Hub will also look to boost Canada's leadership in AI, in areas such as flight simulations and operations.
"The launch of the Airbus Tech Hub in Canada is more than an expansion; it is a strategic fusion of Airbus' technology vision with Canada's world-class aerospace competence," said Rémi Maillard, EVP Engineering Airbus Commercial Aircraft and Head of Technology at Airbus.
"Together with our Canadian partners, we will turn ambitious research into the industrial reality of a sustainable and digitally-integrated aviation industry."
The Tech Hub aims to serve as a focal point for the company in Canada, creating links between commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence and space, Airbus Atlantic and Skywise.
As well as offering dedicated PhD and Masters programs, the hub will also work with academic institutions, such as McGill University and the University of Waterloo.
Airbus says the initiative is supported by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE), Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ) and Aéroports de Montréal (ADM).
Industry leaders and tech start-ups are being invited to participate in research projects at the Hub, to "help pioneer sustainable aerospace."
