The sky�s the limit for businesses attending International Aerospace Exhibition

A delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador aerospace and defence companies will soon head to the Nova Scotia International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition being held at Shearwater Airport from September 8 to 10.

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra C. Kelly will lead the local delegation, which consists of: Gander-based companies Newfoundland Bonding and Composites and Gander Flight Training; the Goose Bay Airport Corporation; and St. John�s-based companies NewTech Instruments Ltd. and Northstar Network.

The Nova Scotia International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition is gaining a strong reputation as one of Canada�s premier aerospace and defence trade events. The exhibition will be held in a large

airplane hanger at CFB Shearwater and will feature approximately 50 exhibits, including Newfoundland and Labrador�s pavilion.

Minister Kelly noted that the timing of the event is good for Newfoundland and Labrador, with the federal government�s recent announcement to proceed with acquiring a replacement for the Sea King helicopter. The acquisition of 28 new maritime helicopters, complete with mission systems, is expected to cost up to $2.9 billion, and will be spread out over approximately eight years.

"This year, our focus will be centered around opportunities related to this major federal procurement initiative, the Maritime Helicopter Project," said Minister Kelly. "Three of the prime contractors expected to bid on this project will be at the trade exhibition, and this will give us an excellent opportunity to promote the capabilities of our local businesses to these contractors."

There are currently about 30 companies involved in Newfoundland and Labrador�s aerospace and defence sector. One of the companies attending the exhibition, Northstar Network, a branch of Northstar Technical Inc., plans to bring together local advanced technology companies and institutions to bid on major procurement contracts.

"The International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition will give us a chance to increase our exposure to major players in the international aerospace and defence industries and raise the profile of Northstar Network at a venue that is close to home," said Wilson Russell, president, Northstar Network.

During the week of the air show and aerospace exhibition, Minister Kelly will be meeting with major aerospace and defence leaders, including Eurocopter Canada, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, SPAR, Bombardier, Team Cormorant and Raytheon.

Media contact: Jacqueline Simon, Communications, (709) 729-0050.

2000 08 30 11:30 a.m.