De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited today celebrated the official groundbreaking of De Havilland Field, a transformative aerospace hub in the heart of Wheatland County, Alberta. The milestone marks a significant step forward in building Canada's aerospace manufacturing capacity whilst strengthening economic growth, employment, and sovereign aerospace capability as outlined in the government's Defence Industrial Strategy.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together leaders from De Havilland Canada alongside representatives from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and Wheatland County. The event also featured the arrival of multiple De Havilland Canada aircraft, underscoring the company's legacy and future in Canadian aviation.

"Today's groundbreaking is about far more than a new facility, it is about building sovereign capability in Canadian aerospace, manufacturing, service support, and training," said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer, De Havilland Canada. "The potential of De Havilland Field is massive. We are 100% Canadian owned, with an 80% Canadian-based supply chain. If the government follows through on its commitments to buy Canadian, and to support and build sovereign capabilities, the possibilities of De Havilland Field are unparalleled. De Havilland is truly Canada's aerospace company, and we are proud to be building in Alberta, with a company and supply chain across the country that will support a world-class aerospace hub for generations to come."

De Havilland Field will serve as the company's home and create a purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus designed to support aircraft parts manufacturing, distribution and support for our customers and their fleets. The development represents one of the most significant investments in Canadian aerospace infrastructure in decades.

A Catalyst for Jobs and Economic Growth

The De Havilland Field project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Alberta and Canada as a whole. The development will create thousands of high-quality jobs across skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing, and aviation services, both during construction and throughout ongoing operations.

As De Havilland Canada continues to grow, the company is actively expanding its workforce and building long-term career opportunities for Canadians. De Havilland Field will anchor a thriving aerospace ecosystem, attracting suppliers, partners, and innovators to the region and creating sustained economic activity for decades to come.

Anchoring Aerospace Jobs Across Canada

The groundbreaking of De Havilland Field reflects a broader commitment to restoring and strengthening Canada's aerospace industry. By investing in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure, De Havilland Canada is bringing critical aerospace jobs and expertise back to Canada, ensuring that Canadian aircraft are designed, built, and supported by Canadian workers.

Located in Alberta, De Havilland Field will establish the province as a new centre of excellence in aerospace manufacturing. This strategic investment diversifies the regional economy whilst positioning Canada as a global leader in specialised aircraft production.