WINDSOR - March 19, 2010 - Ontario is helping the Ontario Aerospace Council match Ontario's leading-edge, innovative companies with global aerospace leaders

The Council is hosting On the Wings of Innovation 2010 in Windsor, June 4-6^th. The goal of the event is to push the boundaries of aerospace technology and spark new ideas that lead to market-driven solutions. The province is contributing $250,000 to support the event.

The event coincides with the Red Bull Air Race. The province has helped secure Windsor as the Canadian venue for the World Championship in 2010 and 2011, which features some of the world's best pilots navigating a low-level aerial track over the Detroit River.

Today's announcement supports the province's new five-year Open Ontario plan that will help open the province to new economic opportunities and will result in new jobs and growth.

QUOTES:

"The aircrafts of tomorrow will demand cutting-edge innovation. Our province is a leader in the R&D, advanced technologies and business practices that will benefit the global aerospace industry. We want to foster even greater growth in this sector. That's why our government is excited to introduce the world's largest aerospace companies to Ontario's outstanding supply chain."

- Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

"Airline passengers are looking for a much more enjoyable flying experience and Ontario offers technologies and innovations that will help achieve this.  Ontario's leading-edge companies will also make future aircraft much more economical, more environmentally-friendly and ever more safe and reliable. At On the Wings of Innovation 2010, we'll share what we've heard consumers are looking for regarding future airline travel and also showcase Ontario's expertise."

- Rod Jones, Executive Director, Ontario Aerospace Council

QUICK FACTS:

• Ontario's aerospace and defence industry employs around 19,000 people with annual sales of approximately $4-billion (source: Stats Canada).
• The aerospace sector exports about 80 per cent of its products.
• Ontario companies deliver world-class aircraft and supply many of the world's most high-profile civilian and military aerospace programs.
• Ontario companies represent 30 per cent of worldwide landing gear production.

MORE INFORMATION:

Find out about the Ontario Aerospace Council.

Discover more about aerospace products and services.

CONTACT:

Leigh-Ann Popek

Minister's Office

Tel: 1-416-325-0362

Eric Shapiro

Communications Branch

Tel: 1-416-325-6698