Acquisition by De Havilland expected to grow Fleet capacity

Fleet Canada has been acquired by a major player in the aerospace industry, one that has had local ties for many years.

In a news release issued on Tuesday, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada announced it has acquired all the shares of Fleet Canada, which has been a part of the local manufacturing community prior to the Second World War.

Fleet is a current supplier of parts and aerostructures for De Havilland Canada as well as a number of other original equipment manufacturers.

The company operates in a 500,000-square-foot facility on Gilmore Road, which “has the capacity to support the growth and expansion of De Havilland Canada,” says the news release.

With the addition of Fleet, De Havilland is now able to in-source a number of capabilities that the company did not already have including metal-to-metal bonding and advanced composites.

Currently, Fleet is providing parts for De Havilland Canada on the Twin Otter, De Havilland Canadair-515 and Dash 8 programs.

The news release suggests the acquisition could result in new jobs.

“It is expected the capacity at the Fleet facility will grow as new machinery is added and additional staff are brought on to keep pace with growing demand,” says the release.

“By adding the capacity and capabilities of Fleet Canada, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada will be better able to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Chafe in the release, chief executive officer of De Havilland Canada.

He said the company’s plan is to keep its fleet flying and to meet the growing demand for the De Havilland Canadair 515.

“The acquisition of Fleet’s team and capacity will go a long way to accomplishing this,” said Chafe.

“I’m thrilled to add Fleet’s manufacturing capabilities and the team’s skills to De Havilland Canada’s toolkit,” added Gerry Kelly, De Havilland vice-president of manufacturing.

The local manufacturer was originally founded in 1930 as Fleet Aircraft.

In 2006, a group of 14 minority employee shareholders purchased the company from Magellan Aerospace, according to Skies Magazine, a leading publication focused on the aviation and aerospace industry.

A spokesperson from Fleet Canada was not immediately available for comment when Fort Erie Radio phoned at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe