Voyageur Aviation awarded Department of National Defence contract to support AETE in Ottawa

The announcement drew praise from North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation’s manager Bryan Avery, who said Voyageur’s expanding expertise—now being applied more directly to defence work—could bring broader opportunities for the community and region

Voyageur Aviation Corp. announced it has been awarded a contract by the Department of National Defence (DND) to provide specialized aviation support to the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) operating out of Ottawa, Ontario.

Voyageur Aviation Corp. says this contract marks a significant milestone in Voyageur’s continued partnership with DND, expanding its role in delivering aircraft maintenance, management, and mission-specific aviation capabilities that strengthen Canada’s defence and flight test programs.

AETE, a unit of DND, provides flight test services for fighter jets, multi-engine aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, uncrewed aerial systems, and associated systems. Staffed by test pilots, flight test engineers and Qualified Test Air Combat System Officers, AETE plays a critical role in validating and supporting modifications to Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircraft. The establishment recently relocated to a newly refurbished hangar facility at the Ottawa International Airport.

Under the terms of the contract, Voyageur will establish a dedicated maintenance capability within AETE’s hangars and provide a leased aircraft to support pilot proficiency and operational readiness.

“The award of this contract supports our growth strategy with DND in operations and contracted special mission aircraft services,” said Carl Kumpic, Vice President, Defence & Government Programs, Voyageur Aviation Corp. in a release.

“Working with AETE is very exciting for us as they represent the leading edge of flight testing for the RCAF. As an organization that routinely performs flight testing and modifications, we anticipate excellent collaboration and continued value.”

Bryan Avery, Airport Manager, North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation is thrilled with the announcement. 

“This announcement highlights Voyageur Aviation’s diverse expertise, locally and globally. Offering this expertise to the defense sector is a win for everyone. Voyageur should be commended for their hard work and success because the growth of Voyageur Aviation provides not only good news stories but opportunities for the entire community and region,” said Avery in an email to BayToday.ca.