Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) will invest $149.4 million in research and development over the next five years following the Canadian government decision to support a initiative to develop an industry-leading commercial avionics and communications platform through a repayable investment for R&D.

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced today that Canada's Innovation & Technology Office – Strategic Aerospace & Defense Initiative (ITO-SADI) will invest $52.3 million over the same period in support of CMC FronTier™ cockpit R&D initiative.

CMC's $149.4 million in R&D investment will aim at innovative technologies for this commercial integrated cockpit and communication system destined for business jets as well as helicopters and air transport aircraft. FronTier™ will help position CMC as a major player in the field of avionics design and integration.

"By undertaking the FronTier™ R&D initiative, CMC will continue its focus on innovation, knowledge and knowhow and develop products and systems which will meet and exceed aircraft operators' requirements", said Jean-Pierre Mortreux, president and CEO of CMC. "We will be aiming at reducing the cost of aircraft ownership, improving safety, increasing capacity and reducing environmental impact of aircraft operations".