Delegation to attend international aerospace exhibition in Halifax

A delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador aerospace and defence companies and organizations will head to the Nova Scotia International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition being held at Shearwater Airport from September 5-8, 2002. George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development for Information and Advanced Technologies, will lead the delegation.

The delegation consists of:

• A and E Machine Shop, Gander;
• CHC Composites Limited, Gander;
• Gander Aerospace Training Centre, Gander;
• Gander Flight Training Ltd., Gander;
• Goose Bay Airport Corporation, Goose Bay;
• NATI (Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries), St. John�s;
• NewTech Instruments, St. John�s;
• Northstar Network Ltd., St. John�s; and
• Town of Gander.

In addition, Guign� International, Provincial Airlines Limited and ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) will participate in the exhibition.

The Nova Scotia International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition is gaining a strong reputation as one of Canada�s premier aerospace and defence industry events. This exhibition will feature aerospace and defence contractors in the Atlantic region, including those expected to bid on the federal government�s Maritime Helicopter Project that will replace the existing SeaKing fleet of aircraft.

"The Nova Scotia International Air Show and Aerospace Exhibition is an excellent opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador companies to promote their capabilities," said Mr. Sweeney. "Companies will also be able to make contacts and build on established relationships with major players in the aerospace industry."

There are currently about 30 companies involved in Newfoundland and Labrador�s aerospace and defence industry.

"The defence and aerospace industry in this province has strong growth potential," said Mr. Sweeney. "Government committed to further developing this sector in its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth. One way we are doing that is by promoting opportunities and partnerships with the private sector to increase national and international business for provincial firms in this sector."

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

2002 09 03                                       10:45 a.m.