June 2022
First annual general meeting
WISA welcomes industry and government partners and WISA members to our first annual general meeting.
September 2022
Launch of the Collaborative Aeronautics Program
After receiving Senate approval in May 2022, the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) launches, welcoming seven graduate students. The CAP supports interdisciplinary graduate studies, enhancing research-based master’s and doctoral programs with a foundational understanding in aeronautics. It includes academic units from Waterloo's six faculties, as well as a network of industry and government partners.
October 2022
Arrival of the world’s first certified electric plane in Canada
WISA and the Region of Waterloo International Airport welcome the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first, and currently only, type-certified electric plane in the world. The arrival marks a significant milestone for WISA researchers Paul Parker, Suzanne Kearns, and Mehrdad Pirnia in bringing a new generation of innovative technologies to aviation and working toward Canadian certification for the e-plane.
Inaugural Sustainable Aeronautics Summit
As the preeminent national showcase of sustainability innovations in aviation, aerospace, and space, the first-ever Sustainable Aeronautics Summit brings together over 300 industry and government partners from across the country and globe, including airlines, airports, manufacturers, technology leaders, world-leading researchers, and more. Held at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, the day-long event features an educational program with internationally recognized speakers, including a keynote from Commander Chris Hadfield, a full exhibit hall, various networking events, and aircraft static displays.
February 2023
WISA receives $9.17 million in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
The goal of the federal funding is to rebuild Canada's pandemic-battered aeronautics sector and position it for a more sustainable future. The investment will support ground-breaking research by WISA that explores new technologies, processes, and policies to help the industry become more resilient and meet its net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
March 2023
WISA Talks explores the role of drones in research and development
Derek Robinson, Associate Director of WISA, moderates a panel on “Drones in Science and Industry.” The discussion with industry experts and practitioners explores the significant opportunities and challenges of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAs), including the multiple applications of drones in remote sensing, thermal imaging, mapping, crop spraying, real estate, infrastructure inspection, and more.
June 2023
Electric plane makes Canadian history
WISA and the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre conduct the inaugural flight of the Pipistrel Velis Electro, marking the launch of the first type-certified electric plane in Canada.
Second annual general meeting
WISA introduces its members to new leaders from academia and industry, and showcases research achievements from its first year.
WISA launches Sustainable Future Competition
Small- and medium-sized enterprises pitch their projects at the first round of the Sustainable Future Competition, held as part of the annual general meeting. Palitronica, Sky Sight, and Exo Insights receive funding for their work in sustainable aeronautics.
September 2023
Collaborative Aeronautics Program enters its second year
Graduate students pursue their passion for aeronautics in this interdisciplinary program, which now operates in partnership with 17 master's and doctoral programs across the University of Waterloo.
“As an applied scientist, I thought that WISA would provide a strategic interface between the geospatial community and the aeronautics sector that could not only be used to advance science but also bring new knowledge to students and enhance our ability to train students for successful careers in industry, government, and academia.”
