In November 2025, AeroNL, together with a number of its members, undertook a fact-finding mission to Canada.
One of the key findings was the strong interest from Canadian organisations in collaborating with European companies in both the civil and defence aerospace sectors. Companies such as Airbus Canada (where the A220 is manufactured), Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bombardier, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Canada and De Havilland Canada represent attractive potential customers for Dutch expertise and technology. In addition, Canada provides an excellent testing ground for Dutch innovations, particularly in the field of zero-emission aviation. Canadian stakeholders have already expressed a strong interest in building on the Dutch mission that took place last year.
For these reasons, AeroNL, with the support of NIDV, intends to submit a Partners for International Business (PIB) application in cooperation with the Dutch diplomatic missions in Canada. This PIB programme will focus on both civil and defence aviation. The defence component will be limited to opportunities related to the procurement of the GlobalEye system (a Bombardier platform equipped with a Saab sensor suite). As the GlobalEye acquisition is a NATO procurement involving a civil aircraft, no industrial participation obligations apply. Other defence-related opportunities will be pursued through a separate process in close cooperation with the Dutch government and the diplomatic missions in Canada.
A key requirement of the PIB programme is the commitment of a dedicated cluster of participating companies. Participation means working together with NIDV, AeroNL, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Dutch diplomatic missions to develop a three-year market development strategy for Canada. As a participating company, you will play an active role in shaping the programme and its activities over the coming three years. Companies that are not part of the PIB cluster will not have this opportunity, although they will still be able to participate in planned trade missions and related activities.
To maximise the chances of a successful application, we kindly ask you to indicate your interest in participating in this PIB initiative. Our intention is to submit the application before the deadline of 25 September. Prior to submission, we will organise several meetings with interested participants to define the programme’s objectives and priorities.
Interested in joining? Please let us know as soon as possible (before 18 September) by emailing events@aeronl.com.