MONTREAL, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The International Federation of
Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), representing some 100,000
pilots worldwide, today inaugurated its new headquarters in Montréal.
The event, attended by numerous guests from the civil aviation sector
and business world, is the culmination of a successful collaboration
between IFALPA and Montréal International (MI), which supported the
international organization throughout its relocation from London,
England, to Montréal.
"We are pleased to officially welcome IFALPA among the ranks of the
60-some international organizations headquartered in Montréal, which
together form a cohesive, dynamic and diversified community, enabling
Montréal to position itself as the most international city in Canada,"
declared Jacques St-Laurent, President and CEO of Montréal
International.
According to IFALPA President, Captain Don Wykoff, "IFALPA's arrival in
Montréal marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the evolution of
the Federation's work. This is a golden opportunity to work with other
industry stakeholders who are already located in the Greater Montréal
area, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the
International Air Transport Association(IATA), and Airports Council International (ACI), toward the common goal
of implementing the highest possible level of security for the global
air transport system." He went on to add, "The civil aviation industry
is progressing at an unprecedented rate and IFALPA has a duty to be
front and centre in the decision-making process. And front and centre
is right here, in Montréal."
Government support
Mr. St-Laurent also thanked Canada Economic Development for Québec
Regions, Québec's Ministère des Relations internationales and the City of Montréal for their financial support: "The governments'
contribution to the Montréal International Development Fund is
essential to enable MI to attract international organizations, foreign
companies and strategic talents to the Greater Montréal area."
"The arrival of IFALPA in Montréal is wonderful news for the city's
economy. This organization will help to consolidate our civil aviation
expertise at the international level," stated the Honourable Denis
Lebel, Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for
Québec Regions.
"With IFALPA's arrival in Montréal, the city can now boast yet another
international aeronautics and aerospace firm, further solidifying its
role as a global hub for these high-tech sectors," stated Jean-François
Lisée, Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and
External Trade and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.
"This is great news that once again emphasizes Montréal's status as an
international city, a city without borders that's home to numerous
high-profile international organizations. IFALPA's relocation here
reinforces Montréal's role as one of the world's leading aerospace and
aeronautics centres, with ten companies specializing in this sector of
the economy. We welcome IFALPA's representatives to our beautiful
city," declared Richard Deschamps, Vice-President of the Executive
Committee, responsible for economic development, infrastructures and
large projects.
About IFALPA
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA)
was created during a conference of pilots' associations held in London
in April 1948 for the express purpose of providing a formal means for
the airline pilots of the world to interact with the then newly formed
UN body the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). IFALPA's
mission is to be the global voice of professional pilots by providing
representation, services and support in order to promote the highest
level of aviation safety worldwide.
About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Created in 1996, Montréal International (MI) is the result of a
private-public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the
economic development of Greater Montréal and enhance its international
status. Its mandate is to attract foreign investment, international
organizations and qualified foreign workers as well as promoting the
competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal
International—a non-profit organization—is financed by the private
sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.
Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract $8.7
billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these
investments, more than 47,000 jobs have been created or maintained. To
date, MI's activities have also allowed almost half of some 65
international organizations to establish themselves in the city and
attract and retain more than 7,500 qualified foreign workers.
SOURCE: International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations - IFALPA