The beleaguered plane maker's commitment comprises a big chunk of the $415 million in contributions from the private sector and the province toward an aero"innovation zone" announced at an industry conference on Tuesday.
“Quebec is now the only place in the world where the three aviation giants Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier are directly present,” said Premier François Legault in French. Boeing's investment includes a $110-million development centre in Saint-Laurent, a $95-million push to grow Boeing subsidiary Wisk Aero as it fledges an electric flying taxi prototype, and a collaboration with landing gear maker Héroux-Devtek.
Nelson also cited the federal government's selection of Boeing to replace the military's aging patrol planes in a $10.3-billion deal, closing the door on Quebec-based business jet maker Bombardier Inc., which had been pushing for an open bid. Cabinet green-lit in November the purchase of 16 P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft from the U.S. manufacturing giant to replace the half-century-old CP-140 Auroras.
Despite the pledge and what Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne called a"home run" in securing Boeing's investment, the company continues to generate anxiety among some Canadian airlines due to production delays set off by the midflight blowout of a door plug in January.