Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research

Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research, known as DAIR, is an aerospace hub at Downsview Park in Toronto, Canada. It brings together companies, universities, research groups and government. Their shared goal is to strengthen Canadian aerospace.

DAIR was first imagined in 2012 by Centennial College, the University of Toronto and Bombardier. It began as a working group to boost aerospace research and education. It grew its operations, staff and site from 2018. It was incorporated in 2020, and it now has a board of directors and a full-time executive director.

Its purpose is to help industry and academia work together so that Ontario's aerospace ecosystem grows. It supports research partnerships and solutions that help members compete. It also works on technology for greener aviation and on better productivity for aerospace firms.

DAIR runs several programs. The Innovation Network helps members speed up innovation. The Supplier Development Initiative helps small and medium firms find gaps in their capacity and pays for fixes. The Green Fund backs shared research projects that make a real difference to sustainable aerospace and aviation. Other programs cover defence readiness, digital manufacturing, upskilling and work with Mitacs. DAIR also holds events, including its DAIR to Innovate conference.

The hub has facilities and equipment built for collaboration, networking and next-generation research. Members include Bombardier, De Havilland Canada, Safran, Siemens, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Centennial College, McMaster University, Queen's University, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University and the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. Its wider innovation network includes firms such as Air Canada and many small suppliers.

One project it describes is a safe energy storage system for a solar battery electric drone. DAIR also points to the size of the industry it serves. In 2020, Canadian aerospace added 22.3 billion dollars to national GDP and sold more than 75 percent of its output abroad, to 186 countries. Ontario's sector is strong in business aircraft, landing gear and maintenance, repair and overhaul, and it spends half a billion dollars a year on research and development.

Services

• Collaborative R&D partnerships
• Innovation Network
• Supplier Development Initiative
• Green Fund
• Defence Readiness Program
• Digital manufacturing program
• Upskill training connections
• Hub facilities and space
• Events and conferences