The CTA is acquiring a test bench—the only one of its kind in Canada—to advance hybrid and electric aviation
The Aerospace Technology Center (CTA) has reached a major milestone in the development of tomorrow’s aircraft propulsion systems with the commissioning of a test bed for hybrid and electric aircraft engines—a first-of-its-kind facility in the country. Carried out in collaboration with Cégep Édouard-Montpetit and its affiliated school, the École nationale d’aérotechnique (ÉNA), this project is part of the business plan for Espace Aéro, Quebec’s aerospace innovation hub.
Estimated at more than 17 million dollars, this project received combined financial support of 13.63 million dollars from the governments of Canada and Quebec: Canada Economic Development (CED) contributed approximately $7.58 million through the Regional Aerospace Recovery Initiative, while the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) provided $6.05 million through its Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations.
This one-of-a-kind facility will serve a threefold purpose: it will enable the development of a new generation of engines that combine thermal and electrical energy, support numerous research and development projects, and serve as a training tool for future propulsion technicians and engineers.
Pratt & Whitney Canada is the first industrial customer to use this new infrastructure. The design and manufacture of the equipment were entrusted to the Quebec-based company Équipement d’essai aérospatial CEL Ltée, providing this small business with an opportunity to further showcase its expertise on the international stage.
By acquiring this cutting-edge capability, the CTA is strengthening its role in supporting companies as they develop low-carbon engines—a direct contribution to Espace Aéro’s goal of positioning Quebec as a global leader in decarbonization, autonomy, and aviation safety.
ABOUT THE AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY CENTER (CTA)
As a nonprofit organization, the CTA supports businesses—from small and medium-sized enterprises to large organizations—in developing practical technological solutions.
Located in the heart of the Longueuil airport zone, on Montreal's South Shore, the CTA occupies 30,000 sq. ft. of modern facilities, with privileged access to more than 270,000 sq. ft. of space made available by the École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA). The CTA is also a stakeholder in the AéroCampus, which will constitute a unique, structuring cross-level ecosystem dedicated to training, research and innovation in the aerospace field.
As a key player in the Longueuil cluster of the aerospace innovation zone, the CTA is the only exclusively aerospace-oriented Centre collégial de transfert technologique (CCTT) within this strategic group.
Thanks to its multidisciplinary expertise, collaborative approach and deep roots in the Quebec ecosystem, the CTA transforms ideas into prototypes, optimized processes and marketable innovations.
For more information: aerocta.ca
ABOUT CÉGEP ÉDOUARD-MONTPETIT
Located in Longueuil, Cégep Édouard-Montpetit is one of the largest cégeps in Quebec. It includes the École nationale d’aérotechnique and the Centre technologique en aérospatiale, two institutions specializing in technical training and applied research in the aerospace sector.
For more information: www.cegepmontpetit.ca
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (ÉNA)
Founded in 1964, the École nationale d’aérotechnique (ÉNA), affiliated with Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, is the largest college-level institution for aerospace technology in Canada and one of the largest in the world. It is the only school in Quebec that trains aviation technicians, offering programs recognized by Transport Canada in the fields of aircraft maintenance, avionics, and aerospace engineering. It enrolls nearly 1,300 students annually.
For more information: www.ena.ca
ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA (EDC)
Economic Development Canada for the Regions of Quebec (DEC) is the key federal agency in Quebec responsible for promoting the economic development of the regions and of small and medium-sized enterprises. It supports the launch and growth of businesses and nonprofit organizations to make them more innovative, productive, and competitive on an international scale.
For more information: www.dec-ced.gc.ca
ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, INNOVATION, AND ENERGY (MEIE)
The mission of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) is to support the sustainable growth of Quebec’s economy, contribute to the advancement of research and innovation, and ensure responsible governance of energy resources. In particular, it supports businesses in their research, innovation, and productivity growth initiatives throughout Quebec.
For more information: www.quebec.ca/economie
ABOUT PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA
Based in Longueuil for nearly a century, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and helicopter engines, as well as auxiliary power units. Its engines power general aviation, business aviation, and regional aircraft around the world. P&WC is a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, which is itself a subsidiary of RTX.
For more information: www.prattwhitney.com
ABOUT CEL LTÉE AEROSPACE TEST EQUIPMENT
Founded in 1988 in Montreal, CEL Aerospace Test Equipment Ltd. is a Quebec-based small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) recognized worldwide for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of test cells, test stands, and data acquisition systems for the aerospace industry. For more than 35 years, the company has completed over 1,500 projects in more than 25 countries for engine manufacturers, maintenance facilities, and airlines.
For more information: www.cel-aerospace.com
ABOUT ESPACE AÉRO
Espace Aéro, Quebec’s aerospace innovation hub, brings together major contractors, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, the education and research communities, and the sector’s future talent across three hubs located in Longueuil, Mirabel, and Montreal. With a focus on decarbonization, autonomy, and aircraft safety, this research and collaboration ecosystem aims to make Quebec a global leader in sustainable and smart air mobility.
For more information: www.espaceaero.ca