Boeing invests $1.4M in Halifax flight simulator production

Boeing Canada is investing in a flighting training simulator program in Halifax, N.S.

Boeing Canada announced Monday it’s giving $1.4 million to Atlantic Canada Bluedrop Training and Simulation to help them ramp up production of their flight simulators in Halifax.

It’s part of a purchase agreement with the federal government, which is buying more than a dozen of Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft to be used by the Canadian Armed Forces.

“With over a century of partnership in Canada, we are dedicated to providing innovative training solutions, supporting local industry and strengthening communities,” said Al Meinzinger, president of Boeing Canada.

“This investment in Bluedrop achieves these goals.”

Bluedrop Training Simulation is based in Newfoundland but has a significant footprint in Halifax — including its production facility, where it’s building flight simulators like the CV-22 Osprey Special Mission Aviator Ramp Trainer. It provides full-mission simulation training for crews of the aircraft.

This isn’t the first partnership between the two companies, as Bluedrop has also supplied simulation and training support for Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster and the CH-47F Chinook.

“Boeing has been a strong supporter of Bluedrop, playing a pivotal role in fostering the company’s innovation and growth,” said Derrick Rowe, CEO of Bluedrop Training and Simulation.

“Through this long-standing collaboration, Boeing has championed the development of a Canadian small-to-medium enterprise, helping Bluedrop expand its capabilities, strengthen its workforce, and deliver cutting-edge solutions to the aerospace and defence industry.”

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston was at the announcement and said this kind of investment in technology used in military training makes sense, given the expertise located here in the province.

“Nova Scotia is a proven destination for defence and aerospace-related investment. We are home to globally recognized training and simulation expertise, such as Bluedrop,” said Houston.

Bluedrop employs more than 180 people in Atlantic Canada and supports aerospace clients and defence organizations around the world.

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