Waterloo and Airbus chart new course
Long-term agreement connects research, talent and innovation to advance sustainable aerospace technologies
The University of Waterloo and Airbus have formalized a new research partnership that establishes a long-term framework for collaboration in sustainable aviation, advanced materials, digital systems, and emerging aerospace technologies.
Coordinated through the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and connected to the Future in Motion (FIM) Network, the agreement creates a strategic framework linking Waterloo researchers and students with real-world industry challenges and marks a significant milestone in a growing relationship between Waterloo and Airbus.
The agreement builds on a collaboration launched in 2021 between WISA and Airbus’s Waterloo-based digital aviation team, now operating as Skywise, an Airbus digital services company born from the merger of Navblue and Skywise digital solutions. Located on Waterloo’s North Campus, the operation traces its roots to Navtech, a startup that emerged through Waterloo’s innovation and talent ecosystem.
Waterloo’s distinctive strength is its ability to connect aviation and aerospace with the technologies reshaping their future—from clean energy, advanced materials and electrification to artificial intelligence, quantum, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and human-machine collaboration.
“Waterloo researchers are already investigating the questions that will transform aerospace,” says Suzanne Kearns, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics. “Airbus brings deep industry expertise, while Waterloo offers a research network that can connect aviation and aerospace to emerging technologies and complex global challenges. Together, we can move promising ideas closer to real-world impact.”
Waterloo and Airbus Canada are also advancing a complementary talent and education framework designed to expand student engagement, experiential learning, industry-informed projects and future workforce-development opportunities.
“We are preparing the next generation of aviation leaders,” Kearns adds. “Giving students direct exposure to real-world projects will help them develop solutions that could shape the industry they will one day lead.”
For Airbus, the collaboration opens the door to new research avenues with a world-class institution known for innovation and industry-connected talent.
“Skywise is incredibly proud to collaborate with the University of Waterloo to co-create the future of aeronautics,” says Erin Appleby, HO Operational Excellence & Canada Managing Director at Skywise. “To achieve true operational excellence and sustainability in our industry, we need the bright minds, advanced digital expertise, and collaborative spirit that Waterloo is famous for. Together, we are bridging the gap between cutting-edge academic research and real-world impact.”
The agreement will support future collaboration in research, talent development and workforce initiatives. Together, Waterloo and Airbus are positioned to help build a cleaner, smarter and more resilient future for aeronautics.
