Aerospace Technology Center
Driving aerospace innovation for more than 30 years
A non-profit organization affiliated with Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, the CTA supports companies—from SMEs to large organizations—in the development of 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.
The CTA brings together a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 experts who carry out over 100 industrial projects each year, supporting technological innovation for companies of all sized—from SMEs to major prime contractors.
As part of the Synchronex network—which brings together 49 college centres across Québec and mobilizes more than 2,500 professionals—the CTA can rely on inter-CCTT agreements to access complementary expertise according to industry needs.
Our goal: delivering tailored support that accelerates innovation in the aerospace sector and strengthens the competitiveness of Canadian companies.
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission
Driving the growth of Canada's aerospace industry through applied technological innovation, and supporting companies of all sizes in developing practical, customized solutions to improve efficiency, quality and competitiveness.
Our Vision
To be the partner of choice for aerospace companies seeking to innovate quickly, agilely and cost-effectively—leveraging our expertise, our network and our proven ability to deliver tangible results.
Our Values
- Collaboration: working closely with businesses and institutions.
- Agility: adapting quickly to industry needs and realities.
- Expertise: leveraging cutting-edge expertise—human and technological alike.
- Impact: delivering tangible, measurable solutions.
- Accessibility: making cutting-edge innovation accessible to both SMEs and major companies.
The CTA's History: A Journey Dedicated to the Industry
1993
The Aerospace Technological Centre (CTA) opens for business on the premises of the École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA) from Cégep Édouard-Montpetit.
2001
The organization added a new focus to its activities by developing expertise in high-performance machining with the acquisition of a Makino A88, a CNC machining cell.
2007
As its activities continued to expand, the CTA, in collaboration with École polytechnique de Montréal, inaugurated new facilities in Saint-Hubert. The Laboratoire de Fabrication Industrielle des Composites (LFIC) is one of the largest of its kind, and enables the CTA to offer expertise in composites, especially with the vacuum infusion or "resin transfer molding" process.
2011
CTA inaugurates new 30,000 sq. ft. facilities following a $12M investment. A new wing dedicated entirely to the organization's activities has been added to the ÉNA, enabling the CTA to expand its range of services in avionics, next-generation metrology (non-contact inspection, five-axis CMM), non-destructive testing, robotics and air operations.
It also marks the start of the Metrology and Inspection of Aerospace Composites (MICA) applied research program, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC).
2012
Following the award of a $2.5M grant from NSERC, the CTA launches the PUMA (Programme d'usinage multiaxe automatisé) applied research program.
2013
Through a partnership with Bombardier Aerospace, the CTA obtained a $1M grant over five years for the Industrial Research Chair on the Manufacturing of Aerospace Components in Composite Materials.
2014-2015
An initial wave of major investments took place with the support of Canada Economic Development (CED) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). More than $5M was invested, including $1M self-financed by the CTA, to advance its various projects and areas of expertise.
2013 à 2017
The number of projects delivered grew significantly—by 70% between 2013 and 2017.
2016 à 2020
Until the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTA experienced significant revenue growth (30%) between 2016 and 2019, and invested more than $4.4M in equipment. During the period covered by the 2016-2021 strategic plan, the CTA's self-financing portion (project revenues compared to operating grants) remained above 93%.
2020 à 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all employees of the CTA continued their work. The CTA secured nearly $4M in investments from CED and CFI to support the development of new technologies (additive manufacturing, metrology, advanced materials, etc.). During this same period, the pipeline of new projects grew by more than 25%.
2021
Launch of a new Artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
2022
Construction of infrastructure and acquisition of equipment for the development, qualification and testing required for the new generation of hybrid engines. Scheduled for completion in 2025-2026, this facility—valued at more than $13M— will be the first modular test bench of its kind in Canada for the aerospace sector. In addition, it will be used for the first hybrid engine in aerospace in North America.
2024
Creation of a new alternative propulsion sector.
2025
Launch of the test bench for hybrid and electric propulsion systems.
The CTA is also a key strategic player in the upcoming aerospace innovation zone, with several current and future initiatives identified as anchor projects for this future hub.
”As part of a project to develop thermoplastic tooling produced through additive manufacturing, Hutchinson was looking for a partner capable of developing a suitable surface coating, taking into account the constraints associated with composite parts manufacturing.
Thanks to the mobilization of a wide range of expertise and seamless collaboration, the CTA rapidly developed a chemical formulation ready for industrialization that fully meets our needs and expectations.
The coating we've developed now enables us to operate a new generation of tooling, offering greater flexibility for our in-house developments while reducing the costs associated with industrialization projects.
The CTA is a trusted strategic partner, and we look forward to developing innovative projects together.
Cédric PupinR&D Laboratory Manager, Hutchinson Aéronautique et Industrie Limitée
Our Partners
The CTA collaborates with a broad network of industrial, institutional, and academic partners to carry out its research and technology transfer projects. This collaborative approach maximizes both technological and economic benefits across the entire aerospace sector.
