PAL Aerospace
Since securing their first surveillance contracts decades ago, PAL Aerospace has continued a string of game-changing milestones and technological firsts in airborne special missions – enabling governments to address economic, safety, environmental, and security threats within Canada and abroad. Based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, PAL Aerospace leverages its expertise in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol to remain a global leader in aerospace innovation. The company continuously pushes the boundaries of technology while driving job creation in Atlantic Canada.
Innovation is at the core of PAL Aerospace’s success. The company has made significant strides in developing advanced aerospace technologies, continuously refining mission capabilities, and enhancing operational efficiency. These advancements have not only strengthened PAL’s technological edge but also contributed to the growth of a highly skilled workforce in the region.
“PAL Aerospace is now a global player in protecting international borders, and protecting the exclusive economic zones of our customers. As a strategic partner, ACOA has enabled PAL to establish itself as a thought leader and exporter of airborne surveillance products and services that enable our customers to protect their sovereign interests,” said Joseph Galimberti, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, PAL Aerospace. “As a proud Atlantic Canadian company, our roots have always been local but our reach is now global serving Canada’s allies around the world.
Within the last decade in Canada, the company has collaborated with Airbus Defence and Space to support Canada’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) aircraft replacement program. Here in Nova Scotia, PAL will operate out of Greenwood as a base to provide essential maintenance and technical support for FWSAR, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Canada’s aerospace industry.
At the forefront of PAL Aerospace’s success is its commitment to innovation. CarteNav, PAL Aerospace’s Halifax-based software engineering firm has been developing groundbreaking mission management tools for over 20 years, including AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4. These solutions revolutionize mission planning, enable secure data distribution, and facilitate real-time decision-making—enhancing operational efficiency for defense, public safety, and environmental monitoring clients worldwide.
The PAL Aerospace journey is a testament to Atlantic Canada’s capacity for innovation, growth, and global competitiveness. With a bold vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, PAL Aerospace showcases how local ingenuity can shape the future of international aerospace. A compelling example of how regional talent and technological advancements can leave a lasting impact on the world stage.
Supported by ACOA’s Aerospace, Defence and Marine Directorate (ADMD), which connects Atlantic Canadian firms to major defence projects and ensures they stay competitive, PAL continues to thrive. ADMD plays a vital role in promoting the sector, fostering investment, and providing valuable regional insights, helping companies like PAL Aerospace succeed and make their mark on the global stage.