The Alberta Aerospace Research Centre (AARC) is the latest addition to SAIT's Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM), within the Applied Research and Innovation Services hub. It will help position Alberta as a leader in aerospace research and manufacturing. With the $1.4-million investment from Alberta's government, AARC will enhance research outcomes and promote economic growth and job creation by supporting a thriving aerospace industry cluster in Alberta.
"Alberta's aviation and aerospace industry is growing at an exciting pace. This industry is diversifying our economy and employing highly skilled Albertans across the sector," says Matt Jones, Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. "SAIT's new research centre will be instrumental in cementing our province as a premier aviation hub, creating jobs and attracting investment to benefit all Albertans."
With De Havilland Canada's recently announced plans to expand aircraft manufacturing in the province, new opportunities for aerospace manufacturing will help diversify Alberta's economy. However, the absence of adequate research and training infrastructure has been a barrier for advanced manufacturing in the province. The AARC will help fill that gap.
"We recognized the opportunity to create a dedicated aerospace applied research facility, filling a critical gap in Alberta's research and innovation ecosystem," says Dr. Hamid Rajani, Chair, CIRAMM. "At AARC, we'll focus on three areas: advanced manufacturing processes, robotics and automation, and aerospace materials design and testing."
The project will enhance SAIT's CIRAMM with upgraded infrastructure, customized research and training programs, faculty recruitment and development, new partnerships and increased collaboration.
The AARC is part of the ARIS hub's 77,000 square feet of specialized research labs at SAIT, one of Canada's top applied research colleges, and will be home to cutting-edge research and education in the aerospace industry.
