FIAI 2026: when aerospace becomes a matter of national sovereignty
Skills shortages, geopolitical pressures, access to defence markets for SMEs, supply chain strains, digital innovation… How can we address these urgent sovereignty challenges on a large scale? Some insights from the 10th edition of the International Aerospace Innovation Forum, on 13 and 14 April 2026, in Montreal.
In a tense geopolitical context, how is Quebec’s aerospace industry likely to rapidly adopt solutions for its development?
“Beyond Technology: From Idea to Adoption”, the International Aerospace Innovation Forum (FIAI 2026), on 13 and 14 April 2026, aims to answer this question. Gathered around the table, 1,500 decision-makers from 11 international delegations will come together for a collaboration between allies at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Industrial sovereignty, strategic autonomy, the restructuring of supply chains, new models of cooperation between allied nations, skills shortages…
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for the Regions of Quebec, made it clear from the outset that there is an urgent need to integrate aerospace innovation into a broader economic and security strategy. With this in mind, the Minister announced a $4.5 million support package for SMEs. Among those to benefit are Aéro Montréal, Propulsion Québec and Sous-traitance industrielle Québec.
This 10th edition highlighted the need to rethink partnerships and knowledge sharing. It also set out recommendations to encourage ecosystems to join forces and accelerate innovation.
The result will be greater autonomy, improved production capacity and a more resilient industry.
Our experts look back at five key takeaways from FIAI 2026.
Sovereignty and defence: building an industry capable of meeting the challenges
Defence sovereignty is emerging as the backdrop to these discussions. The announced increase in federal investment and the greater support for SMEs reflect a commitment to building an industrial base capable of responding to current geopolitical challenges. Aerospace is no longer merely an economic driver: it is becoming a lever for national security.
Strengthened coordination: when allies unite to face common challenges
This dynamic is part of a broader effort at coordination among allies.
Germany’s presence as a guest of honour illustrates a clear desire for closer ties between allies, particularly on issues of innovation, defence and the security of critical supply chains, within a geopolitical context that is increasingly shaping the industry.
The presence of other European delegations, including the Czech Republic, confirms this commitment to international alignment.
Supply chains: towards greater resilience and efficiency
In the industrial sector, the transformation of supply chains is gathering pace. Discussions are focusing on three priorities: strengthening resilience, relocating certain critical capabilities, and integrating SMEs more closely into secure supply chains. Recent productivity gains illustrate this trend, Bombardier has increased its annual aircraft production from around 110 to 150 in five years, driven in particular by tools such as the digital twin, which helps anticipate contingencies and optimise operations.
An expanded ecosystem: when performance becomes a collective effort
However, the transformation is no longer confined to the production floor. As an Airbus representative pointed out, the performance of a major group now depends directly on that of its suppliers.
Productivity is no longer confined to the company’s walls; it now relies on the entire ecosystem, with three key drivers: closer ties with suppliers, greater transparency to better anticipate risks, and co-innovation from the design phase onwards to reduce inefficiencies.
In this context, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key tool. It enables the analysis of massive volumes of data to anticipate disruptions, identify bottlenecks and optimise stock levels. However, there is a growing consensus that the value of AI depends above all on the quality of the available data.
Increased pressure on talent: the war for talent is holding back an entire industry
Finally, the main risk factor remains human.
The industry is facing unprecedented pressure on talent, with around 43,000 current jobs and nearly 67,000 vacancies to be filled within the next 10 years, in a context where major players are competing for the same profiles, which is holding back the sector’s overall growth potential.
This tension is exacerbated by direct competition between major players, CAE, Pratt & Whitney, Bombardier and Bell, who are vying for the same talent.
In this context, technological advances are no longer enough. Even major breakthroughs, such as the development of Bombardier’s Global 8000, the first business jet to exceed Mach 1 since the Concorde, illustrate a broader reality: innovation only becomes a competitive advantage if it can be supported by an organisation, a supply chain and a workforce that are up to the task.