Canadian aerospace and aviation industry insights
- Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), released February 17, 2026, outlines $470 billion in defence procurement and infrastructure spending and includes a $105 million investment into a new Drone Innovation Hub at the National Research Council (source).
- Bombardier’s Global 8000 — the world’s fastest civilian aircraft at Mach 0.95 — received Transport Canada Type Certification on November 5, 2025, FAA certification on December 19, 2025, and EASA certification in January 2026 (source).
- Air Canada disclosed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft on February 12, 2026, supporting its long-haul expansion into the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia (source).
- Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget eliminated the Select Luxury Items Tax on aircraft valued over $100,000 effective November 5, 2025, removing a major barrier to domestic aircraft transactions (source).
- In 2024, the Canadian aerospace industry contributed $34.2 billion to GDP and 225,000 jobs to the Canadian economy, ranking in the global top 5 across civil flight simulators, engines, and aircraft segments (source).
Your aerospace and aviation recruitment agency
Lock Search Group is a premier aerospace and aviation recruiting firm and executive search partner, with over 40 years of experience in aerospace talent acquisition and aviation recruitment across North America. Our specialized aerospace recruiters excel in placing highly skilled candidates in diverse roles within commercial aviation, defence and space, business aviation, aircraft manufacturing, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations, including hard-to-hire niche positions and C-suite executives.
A career in Aerospace and Aviation offers opportunities to shape the future of flight through innovation, engineering excellence and breakthrough technology. From advanced avionics and propulsion systems to unmanned aerial vehicles and sustainable aviation fuels, few industries combine the same scale of technical challenge with direct impact on global connectivity. These roles demand high levels of education, specialized certifications, and security clearances, making it challenging for employers to find professionals with the right expertise.
Lock’s aerospace and aviation recruitment consultants have direct leadership experience in aviation and defence companies, understanding the niche terminology and specialized skills required for success. We excel in placing talent for roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Avionics Systems Engineers, Flight Operations Directors and professionals in emerging fields like urban air mobility and electric aviation.
Our actionable industry insights allow us to consistently identify and recruit top talent. Whether you’re seeking to fill positions in Montreal, Toronto or any other aerospace hub, Lock Search Group can help. Contact us today to discover how our aerospace and aviation executive search and talent acquisition expertise can solve your recruitment challenges in commercial aviation, defence, aircraft manufacturing or MRO services.
We fill a variety of aerospace and aviation roles
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Technology Officer
- Director of Aftermarket Services
- Director of Airport Operations
- Director of Quality Assurance
- Director of Regulatory Affairs
- Director of Safety & Compliance
- Director, Programs & Contracts
- General Manager
- Head of Avionics & Systems
- Head of Engineering
- Head of Human Resources
- Head of Maintenance & MRO
- Head of Procurement
- VP, Defence & Government Relations
- VP, Flight Operations
- Vice President, Business Development
- Vice President, Manufacturing
- Vice President, Supply Chain
Lock offers a range of services to meet your business needs
Executive Search
Lock Search Group’s distinctive “contained” executive search model combines the thoroughness of traditional retained search with performance-based accountability to deliver exceptional C-suite and senior leadership talent. Our proven three-phase methodology, led by experienced Senior Consultants and backed by dedicated industry-specific recruitment teams, ensures comprehensive coverage of the executive talent market. We leverage our national network and extensive research capabilities to track industry movements, mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes, providing clients with real-time market intelligence. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles ensures we source the absolute best available talent without bias, maintaining a fair and equitable search process. Our track record speaks for itself, with successful placements including Board Members, CEOs, CFOs, Presidents, and numerous Vice Presidents across multiple functions and industries.
Retained Search
Our Retained Search service establishes an exclusive partnership with organizations seeking to fill critical senior and mid-level positions through a comprehensive, priority-based approach. By dedicating our full resources and attention to your search, we conduct extensive market mapping and develop robust talent pipelines that ensure access to the highest caliber candidates. Our team provides regular progress updates and detailed market intelligence reports, keeping you informed throughout the entire search process. We manage everything from initial candidate assessment through final offer negotiation, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for both clients and candidates. This service includes post-placement integration support to ensure successful onboarding and long-term success of placed candidates.
Contingency Search
Our Contingency Search service offers a flexible, success-based recruiting solution designed to efficiently fill professional and technical positions with qualified talent. Organizations benefit from immediate access to our extensive candidate database and network, with payment required only upon successful placement. Our streamlined recruitment process focuses on quick response times and efficient candidate presentation, making it ideal for time-sensitive placements and organizations with variable hiring needs. We handle all aspects of the recruitment process, from initial screening through offer negotiation, while maintaining the flexibility to work alongside other agencies if desired. This results-driven approach ensures we remain highly motivated to identify and secure the right talent for your organization while minimizing your upfront investment.
