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Lockheed Martin Canada has announced an investment of over 7.125 million USD in the Canadian airline Air Inuit. This company, which is wholly owned by the Inuit of Nunavik, provides essential passenger and cargo flights for 14 northern Canadian communities. The investment is part of Canada’s industrial and technology policy and fulfills economic commitments associated with supporting the CC-130J Super Hercules fleet.
Support for essential services
In a region without roads or railways, Air Inuit relies on gravel runways, snow, and ice to provide daily passenger, cargo, and medical evacuation services. These services are crucial for trade and the preservation of Inuit culture. Lockheed Martin’s investment enables Air Inuit to overhaul engines of the B737-800 Combi aircraft that service the route from Montreal to Kuujjuaq (YUL to YVP). These aircraft can transport more passengers and cargo while reducing carbon emissions.
The investment aligns with Canada’s defense industry strategy and industrial and technology policy. It aims to bring long-term economic benefits and builds on the already measurable impacts of Lockheed Martin in Quebec. Over the past five years, an average of 1,509 jobs per year have been supported, resulting in a total value of 825 million USD for the province. Additionally, 615 million USD in wages have been generated, and 30 million USD in tax revenues have been supported.
Political support and local significance
Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly emphasized that this investment demonstrates how Canada’s industrial and technology policy strengthens national security while promoting economic growth. Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent, highlighted that air transport is essential for connecting northern Canadian communities to vital services and economic opportunities. She described the investment as an example of how national infrastructure investments can bring local benefits.
Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit, stated that the investment allows the company to enhance service on a critical route for the communities in Nunavik. Kristen Leroux, Vice President of Lockheed Martin for Canada and Latin America, added that the investment supports the growth of Air Inuit and promotes long-term operations for important Canadian communities.
Economic impact of the aviation industry
The CC-130 and CC-130J Hercules aircraft have played a central role for the Royal Canadian Air Force for decades. Through Canada’s industrial and technology policy, Lockheed Martin has provided over 3.525 billion USD in economic benefits to Canada resulting from the purchase and associated support of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Canada is headquartered in Ottawa and employs approximately 1,000 people. The company provides comprehensive solutions for missions across all domains and supports the development of the aviation industry in Canada. Air Inuit, founded by the Inuit of Nunavik in 1978, operates a fleet of 36 aircraft and employs more than 1,250 people to ensure connectivity between the coastal villages of Nunavik and the south.
