From technical precision to personal connection, the Fort Erie Completions Centre exemplifies what it means to be close to the customer, proud of the product, and committed to supporting essential missions across the country.
In Fort Erie, Ontario, a highly specialized team is delivering far more than aircraft – they’re delivering mission readiness, precision, and trust.
For operators across the country, the Completions Centre at Airbus Helicopters in Canada plays a crucial role in getting their aircraft ready to enter into service. This is where green airframes are transformed into fully equipped, customer-ready helicopters – outfitted for critical missions that range from utility, emergency services, firefighting, tourism, corporate transport, and more.
For Canadian customers, the completions department at Airbus Helicopters’ Canadian facility delivers a critical capability.
A full-service facility, close to the customer
The Fort Erie site offers a full range of completion services, which includes avionics integration, custom interiors and upholstery, options and STCS (including over 50 active Canadian-developed STCs), performance testing, and striking paint finishes. As one of the few Airbus sites globally with an in-house upholstery shop, Fort Erie delivers bespoke solutions from nose to tail, making it a true one-stop shop for custom completions.
The real differentiator for the customers is proximity. Customers are not only able but encouraged to visit their aircraft during the completion process. And because the work is being completed right in their own country, they can do so with ease. They can review paint schemes, evaluate interior configurations, and speak directly with the team making it all happen. These personal interactions foster strong relationships and trust that often extends well beyond delivery.
Chris Baker, Aircraft Completions and Paint Manager, has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the completions department over his 30 years with the company, and can speak to the customer relationships that develop and thrive inside the walls of the completions department.
“Customers walk out of here knowing exactly who they can call if they ever need support,” says Chris Baker, Aircraft Completions and Paint Manager. “It’s more than just seeing a phone number on the wall.”
Every step of the competition process is custom tailored to the customer needs and unique mission requirements. “It gives the teams a really unique perspective on what the helicopters are doing once they leave the facility,” says Baker. “The job really brings us closer to the mission and the ‘why’ behind our work.”
Growth, expansion, and what’s ahead
Today, the Fort Erie Completions Centre handles anywhere from 8 to 12 helicopters per year – but demand is growing. With 19 H135s to be delivered as part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program and increasing demand for the twin-engine product range, completion volume is expected to rise significantly by 2026.
To stay ahead, the site recently expanded warehouse space by establishing the new Niagara Distribution Centre, freeing up valuable room for production activities. Three additional completion bays have been added, increasing overall capacity and helping the team stay on track – on time, on cost, and on quality – even as volume increases.
A team built on experience and pride
Behind every delivery, there is a dedicated group of specialists whose job is to get up close and personal with each aircraft, ensuring excellence at every touch point.
The team is composed of 14 individuals with a range of expertise and unique skill sets. From advanced avionics technicians to skilled painters, to aircraft maintenance engineers, each person has an essential role to play in the final completion and delivery of the helicopter. Here, collaboration and attention to detail are key.
“It’s never just one person who finishes a helicopter. It’s a chain of people, each adding their piece with the same attention to detail and safety. That’s why every delivery feels like a shared accomplishment,” says Baker. “The customer isn’t just getting one technician’s expertise, they’re getting the strength of a whole team behind that helicopter.”
Every helicopter that leaves Fort Erie bears the craftsmanship of a proudly Canadian team – one that knows their work contributes to something bigger.
“When a helicopter leaves our facility, there’s a real sense of pride,” says Baker. “We know it’s going to serve Canadians – on critical missions, in challenging environments, often in life-saving situations. That means something to us.”
