Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal Strengthen Aerospace Partnership

Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal: Strengthening a Strategic Aerospace Partnership

The recent deepening of the partnership between Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal marks a pivotal moment in international Commercial-Aircraft collaboration. Both clusters, representing two of the world’s most significant aerospace hubs, signed a renewed agreement in September 2025 to intensify their cooperation. This move builds on a longstanding relationship dating back to 2008 and formalized in 2016, and occurs at a time when the aviation industry is rebounding and transforming globally.

Hamburg and Montreal are recognized as the third-largest civil aviation centers in their respective regions, supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs and driving billions in economic value. Their partnership is not just symbolic; it is a strategic lever to foster innovation, facilitate the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhance both regions’ competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

The strengthened agreement outlines mechanisms for regular virtual meetings, delegation visits, and professional exchange programs, all designed to stimulate knowledge transfer and open new international markets. This collaboration reflects broader industry trends and the growing need for cross-border solutions to common challenges in aerospace.

Historical Evolution of the Partnership

Origins and Early Agreements

The relationship between Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal began in 2008, driven by a shared vision to expand their international presence and foster collaborative innovation. This initial connection matured into a formal strategic framework agreement in July 2016, signed during the Farnborough International Airshow as part of a Québec trade mission. The 2016 agreement targeted three key areas: research and development, supply chain development, and skills enhancement.

Industry leaders at the time, including Suzanne M. Benoît of Aéro Montréal and Dr. Franz Josef Kirschfink of Hamburg Aviation, highlighted the strategic complementarity of both regions. Their statements underscored the mutual benefits of collaboration, particularly for SMEs seeking growth opportunities beyond their home markets.

The partnership quickly moved from intention to action. By 2016, the collaboration between Quebec’s CRIAQ and Hamburg’s ZAL Centre of Applied Aeronautical Research had already resulted in the selection of three major research projects out of eleven proposals. These projects focused on advanced composites, acoustic materials, and augmented reality applications, demonstrating the potential for cross-continental innovation.

“Hamburg is one of the world’s leading aerospace locations, but the challenges facing our industry do not stop at national borders. That is why we need strong international networks and partners like Aéro Montréal.” , Ralf Gust, Managing Director, Hamburg Aviation

Building on Research and Industry Ties

The collaboration’s research dimension has been particularly fruitful. Joint projects brought together over twenty partners, including major companies such as Airbus and 3M Canada, academic institutions, and government research agencies. Initiatives spanned from developing quieter aircraft cabins to fireproof composite materials and digital transformation in manufacturing.

This institutionalized approach to research and development established a model for international cluster cooperation. It demonstrated how geographically distant hubs could create synergies, not only benefiting their own ecosystems but also contributing to global aerospace advancements.

The partnership’s evolution was further cemented with a Memorandum of Understanding between ZAL and CRIAQ, signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2025. This agreement created a formal governance framework for ongoing and future research projects, ensuring sustained momentum and alignment with both clusters’ strategic priorities.

The 2025 Agreement: New Mechanisms and Focus

Supporting SMEs and Internationalization

The September 2025 agreement marks a shift towards more structured and intensive collaboration. Recognizing the challenges SMEs face in accessing international markets, the new framework introduces regular virtual working meetings and scheduled delegation visits. These activities are designed to foster continuous dialogue, relationship-building, and the identification of business opportunities.

Professional exchange programs are a cornerstone of the agreement, facilitating the transfer of tacit knowledge and best practices between the Hamburg and Montreal aerospace communities. These programs aim to bridge cultural and technical gaps, empowering professionals to adapt to global industry standards and innovations.

A significant highlight is Hamburg Aviation’s role in coordinating the German delegation for the International Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montreal in April 2026. This not only showcases Hamburg’s innovation capabilities on a global stage but also positions the partnership as a gateway for broader German engagement in North American aerospace markets.

Economic and Industry Impact

The economic significance of both clusters cannot be understated. Hamburg’s aviation sector employs nearly 50,000 people and contributes approximately €7 billion in added value, with more than 300 companies active in the region. Investment in research and development is robust, with €470 million spent annually and additional support from EU and federal sources.

Montreal’s aerospace cluster, similarly, is a powerhouse. It employs close to 60,000 workers and generates over $15 billion in annual sales, with 80% of production destined for export markets. The region is home to five major OEMs and a dense network of suppliers, making it a hub for both manufacturing and innovation.

On a national scale, North-America’s aerospace industry contributed $34.2 billion to GDP and supported 225,000 jobs in 2024, with Quebec accounting for more than half of industry revenues. Meanwhile, Germany’s aerospace sector reached €52 billion in revenue in 2024, underscoring the global scale and influence of both partners.

“The aviation industry is a cornerstone of Hamburg’s economy. It secures tens of thousands of jobs, drives innovation and strengthens our international competitiveness.” , Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics and Innovation, Hamburg

Research, Innovation, and Sustainability

Joint research initiatives remain a central pillar of the partnership. The collaboration between CRIAQ and ZAL has yielded projects that address industry needs, such as quieter cabins and advanced fireproof materials, while also investing in digital transformation.

Sustainability is increasingly in focus. Hamburg Aviation’s recent strategic partnership with the Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (aireg) targets the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels. Both clusters are also exploring electric aircraft, advanced battery systems, and energy-efficient manufacturing as part of their commitment to climate goals.

The partnership’s research infrastructure, with ZAL in Hamburg and multiple academic partners in Montreal, provides a platform for rapid technology transfer and commercialization. This collaborative approach enables both clusters to stay at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Strategic Outlook and Future Directions

The Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal partnership is more than a bilateral agreement; it is a model for international aerospace cluster cooperation. By focusing on SME support, research collaboration, and workforce development, both regions are positioning themselves to address the complex challenges of a globalized aerospace industry, ranging from digital transformation to sustainability.

The upcoming International Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montreal, with Germany as the partner country, exemplifies the partnership’s expanded scope. As both clusters continue to invest in emerging technologies and workforce skills, their collaboration is likely to deepen, potentially serving as a blueprint for other regions seeking to enhance their global competitiveness through strategic alliances.

FAQ

Q: What is the main goal of the Hamburg Aviation and Aéro Montréal partnership?
A: The main goal is to foster innovation, support the internationalization of SMEs, and enhance knowledge transfer between two leading aerospace clusters, thereby strengthening their global competitiveness.

Q: How does the partnership benefit small and medium-sized enterprises?
A: The agreement provides SMEs with access to international markets, regular networking opportunities, professional exchange programs, and support in navigating complex regulatory environments.

Q: What are some notable outcomes of the partnership so far?
A: Notable outcomes include joint research projects on advanced composites and digital technologies, increased bilateral trade and investment, and the establishment of formal frameworks for ongoing collaboration.

Q: How does the partnership address sustainability in aerospace?
A: Both clusters are investing in research and development of sustainable aviation fuels, electric aircraft technologies, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes as part of their commitment to environmental goals.

Q: What is the significance of the 2026 International Aerospace Innovation Forum?
A: The Forum, with Germany as the partner country, will showcase innovations and facilitate new business contacts, reflecting the partnership’s expanded role in connecting European and North American aerospace markets.

Sources

• Aéro Montréal Press Release 2016
• Hamburg Aviation