From September 24 to October 4, 2019, Montréal is celebrating Civil Aviation Week. Celebrations will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations body that is the global forum for states in international civil aviation.
The ICAO: leverage for Montréal
As the home of the ICAO head office, Montréal sees major benefits, both economic and in terms of international visibility.
Montréal is part of a select group of nine cities that are home to a United Nations agency. ICAO activities cover 82% of global air traffic, and having this institution in Montréal attracts many sector organizations, particularly those representing airlines, airports and industry professions. Combined, international civil aviation organizations in Montréal have some 1,000 employees and attract close to 10,000 visitors every year.
The ICAO develops policies and standards, conducts compliance audits, studies and analyses, provides assistance and reinforces aviation capacity through the cooperation of 193 nations.
The business community celebrates the 75th anniversary of the ICAO
As part of Civil Aviation Week, the Chamber, Montréal International, Aéroports de Montréal, the Government of Québec and the Ville de Montréal are marking the ICAO’s contribution to making Montréal the world capital of civil aviation and driving the city’s aerospace sector.
“The civil aviation and aerospace sectors hold a strategic place in the city’s economy. The ICAO – the only United Nations agency in Canada – is a pillar of our hub in these sectors. The Chamber is extremely proud to be a partner for the second Montréal Civil Aviation Week and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of having the ICAO head office in the city. This event will bring together leading decision makers and confirm the vitality and know-how of local businesses.”
– Michel Leblanc , president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
“In addition to being the capital of civil aviation, Montréal is a leader in the aerospace industry. There are over 40,000 jobs in the sector, and the city accounts for 60% of Canadian aerospace production. Montréal is home to the head offices of many international aviation organizations, including the ICAO. ADM is proud to be a partner for Civil Aviation Week and to mark the vitality of Quebec’s aerospace industry.”
– Philippe Rainville , président-directeur général, Aéroports de Montréal
“Montréal is home to the most prominent international civil aviation organizations. The ICAO, which has always made Montréal its home, is the centrepiece of this ecosystem that is unique in the world. We are proud to celebrate the presence and engagement of this important United Nations institution, which has been solidly anchored in the city for the past 75 years.”
– Hubert Bolduc , president and CEO, Montréal International
“Quebec’s aerospace cluster is an example held up internationally for its vitality, in part because it has representation from all of the ecosystem’s actors – manufacturers, schools, research centres, associations and unions. The constant commitment and support of the three levels of government make it possible to offer programs and initiatives that respond to the needs and challenges of SMEs and the concerns of large companies.”
– Suzanne Benoît , President, Aéro Montréal
“The Government of Québec is proud to be a partner for the second edition of Montréal Civil Aviation Week, which showcases a strategic sector for Quebec’s economy. Montréal accounts for 50% of Canadian aerospace industry activity, with over $15 billion in sales and more than 42,000 workers in 2018.”
– Nadine Girault , Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie
“When the ICAO opened its doors, it brought in its wake other international aviation organizations, helping make Montréal the world capital of civil aviation and a hub of air transport. Civil aviation is a powerful driver of Montréal’s economic development.”
– Valérie Plante , Mayor of Montréal
Read the four sections of our special report “Civil Aviation Week 2019,” published on La Presse+ (in french only):
Civil Aviation Week is made possible through the cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Aéroports de Montréal, Montréal International, Aero Montreal, the Ville de Montréal and Quebec’s Government.