Over 85 aerospace businesses are located within Waterloo Region employing more than 3,240 residents. The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is home to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, one of the largest professional flight training schools in Canada.

YKF is home to 44 businesses that employ over 660 people and contributed $220 million to the local economy in 2023. YKF consistently ranks as one of the top 20 busiest airports in Canada

The Aviation, Aerospace and Defence roundtable launched by the Regional Chair in 2025, brings together local industry leaders to collaborate, advocate, share knowledge, and foster opportunities for growth. YKF provides the infrastructure to support the unique requirements for final stage aircraft production. In 2025, YKF welcomed the first production flight of Bombardier's Global 8000.