Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology™ (INSAT) is a joint industry-government initiative to support the growth of one of Canada's most innovative and export-driven sectors – Aerospace.

On June 19, 2023, Minister Champagne announced an investment of $350M under the Strategic Innovation Fund to the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) to establish an industry-led, collaborative, pan-Canadian innovation network. This investment is a significant step for Canada’s aerospace sector as it works towards building disruptive sustainable aviation technologies and advancing its net-zero carbon emissions objective by 2050.

Our Mission

We aim to coordinate and accelerate the development of sustainable aviation technologies in Canada by fostering cross-industry collaboration and driving innovation toward a more environmentally conscious future.

Our Vision

We have an unwavering focus on leading Canadian aerospace toward environmental sustainability. We strongly believe that developing sustainable technologies is the key to the future of aviation, and we are committed to transforming this vision into a tangible reality.

Why INSAT Matters?

INSAT aims to accelerate crossover innovations in transportation, energy, and information technology, contributing to the development of:

Hybrid and alternative propulsion

Advance green propulsion technologies, with an emphasis on electric powertrains, battery systems, hydrogen fuel cells, and new thermal cycles.

Aircraft Architecture and Systems Integration

Aircraft Architecture and Systems Integration: Significantly improve aircraft efficiency and performance, and the development and integration of new aircraft systems. Examples include aerodynamic shapes, lightweight materials and structures, AI-powered flight control systems, and onboard smart microgrids to optimize electrical energy management.

Aircraft Support Infrastructure & Operations

Examples include airport-level technologies for hydrogen distribution, storage, handling and refueling; digital twins, and advanced manufacturing processes for next-generation aircraft development.

Transition to Alternative Fuels

Augment the essential technologies required for the widespread adoption and certification of alternative aviation fuels. Examples include adapting technologies to permit the use of high-ratio blends of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), combustion technologies for hydrogen and other carbon-free fuels, and onboard cryogenic storage systems.

Furthermore, by anchoring future production mandates and jobs in Canada, INSAT aims to bolster the aerospace sector's growth and contribute to the country's economic prosperity. Our commitment to promoting sustainable aviation also places Canada at the forefront of global leadership in this intersectional industry.

Board of Directors

Phil Cole

Cert Centre Canada
Secretary for the INSAT Board of Directors

Houssam Alaouie

CAE

Fassi Kafyeke

Bombardier

David Venditti

Pratt & Whitney

Walter Di Bartolomeo

Independent

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join INSAT?   

We invite all innovators within the aerospace industry and beyond to collaborate with us and be part of this transformative journey. Together, we can usher in a new era of green aviation, setting a benchmark for environmental sustainability and positively impacting the world.

To apply for funding, visit Your INSAT Project

To join as a member, contact us

Who are the lead partners in this project?  

Pratt & Whitney Canada was the lead applicant for the project, with five industry partners – Bell Textron Canada, Bombardier, CAE, De Havilland Aircraft Canada, and Certification Center Canada. Until a permanent Board of Directors is elected, representatives from these companies have agreed to serve on INSAT’s interim Board of Directors.

Once the permanent Board of Directors is in place, INSAT will operate independently of the founding members, without any preferential treatment, status, or consideration given to these organizations relative to what would normally be allotted to any other member of the Canadian aerospace ecosystem.

During the development of the proposal, over 40 organizations indicated their support for the initiative through letters. INSAT was also identified as an industry priority in national stakeholder consultations undertaken by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) in 2022.

Who will manage the INSAT program?  

The current, interim Board of Directors will transition to a permanent, independent Board of Directors that will be appointed once the INSAT not-for-profit organization is fully operational.

How will this project support Canada’s aerospace industry?  

INSAT will be a national network with representation from across Canada, reflecting the diversity of Canada’s aerospace industry. It will benefit various players from across the industry, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academic institutions. This approach will promote knowledge and technology transfer between organizations in different regions of the country and between traditional and non-traditional aerospace sectors. All projects supported by INSAT must be collaborative and include at least one SME to ensure involvement across the supply chain.