On June 22, during the 2011 Paris Air Show, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Bombardier Aerospace signed a multi-year framework agreement covering research, development and testing in areas of interest to both organizations. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010 paved the way for this agreement.

This agreement sets the terms for both fee-for-service and collaborative research projects. Bombardier aims to advance its research in areas including aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, structures and materials, acoustics, multi-disciplinary optimization, aircraft interiors and electromagnetic interference.

NRC and Bombardier Aerospace have previously collaborated on projects ranging from aerodynamic studies for several Bombardier aircraft concepts to the development of advanced manufacturing methods, including automated fabrication of composite aircraft fuselages. Today's signing reinforces this mutually beneficial relationship.

Down the road, this agreement will enable Canadian businesses to better compete in an increasingly global, competitive industry and to provide them with the potential to create good jobs and growth for Canadian businesses and workers.

"This agreement continues the long-standing relationship between our organizations, which will result in more innovative technology solutions for the aerospace industry," says Jerzy Komorowski, Director General of NRC Aerospace "It will also lead to business opportunities for the suppliers who support the larger players in the industry and who need to remain globally competitive."

"Bombardier is built on a rich heritage of aircraft innovation that has driven many of our great accomplishments," said Jean Séguin, vice president, quality, achieving excellence system, engineering and manufacturing, Bombardier Aerospace. "This agreement clears the way for a continued harmonious and productive collaboration between the National Research Council of Canada and Bombardier in areas of technology that are crucial for the aircraft of tomorrow."