Flying Whales confirms Sherbrooke for airship assembly base

An agreement will allow Flying Whales to begin studies and preparations for the construction of its LCA60T production facility in Quebec.

Flying Whales Québec has agreed with the cities of Sherbrooke and Cookshire-Eaton and the Corporation de développement de l'Sherbrooke aéroport (CDAS) to build an assembly and testing site for its LCA60T rigid airships. The 50-hectare area in Cookshire-Eaton will become a base for assembly, testing and takeoff of rigid airships for the Americas.

The Sherbrooke site will serve as Flying Whales' hub for airship production across North and South America. The assembly plant will support logistics and infrastructure access in remote regions with minimal environmental impact. The partnership reflects the long-standing industrial and technological ties between France and Quebec and aims to promote innovation in sustainable aeronautics.

Flying Whales president Vincent Guibout says: “In this 60th anniversary year of the first agreement between France and Quebec, I am pleased to announce the choice of the Flying Whales factory site. This logical choice is in line with our desire to contribute to the industrial and technological dynamism of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships.”

The project is expected to generate 300 direct jobs and more indirect employment through training and supplier networks. Its unique architecture is intended to enhance regional visibility and attract further investment.

The technology behind the LCA60T offers low-emission freight transport, supporting projects like power grid extension and access to critical minerals. Over 70 trade agreements are already in place for the aircraft globally.

The announcement was made during the AQTA conference and attended by local and international officials including mayors, consular staff and industry leaders. Sherbrooke mayor Évelyne Beaudin says: “Friends of Flying Whales, welcome home!”