A Season of Growth for London in Manufacturing, Aerospace and Connectivity It has been a busy few weeks for London’s economy, with major developments across manufacturing, aerospace and air connectivity highlighting the continued growth and diversification of the region. Manufacturing Matters draws record crowd London’s manufacturing sector was on full display on October 1st as over 1,000 industry leaders, manufacturers and partners came together at RBC Place for Manufacturing Matters 2026. Hosted by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) in partnership with the London Region Manufacturing Council, the annual conference reached full capacity and has grown into one of Canada’s leading manufacturing gatherings and the largest of its kind in Southwestern Ontario. This year’s event included approximately 80 exhibitors, a keynote presentation from General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, and breakout sessions covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to workforce development, funding and opportunities in defence and mining supply chains. The strong turnout reflects the scale of Southwestern Ontario’s manufacturing sector and the continued demand for opportunities that connect businesses with new markets, suppliers, technologies and industry partners. Canada Rocket Company chooses London for new testing facility On the same day, Canada Rocket Company broke ground on the new Jeremy Hansen Test Facility at London International Airport; a $30 million investment that will establish Canada’s first large-scale static rocket engine testing facility. The facility will provide the infrastructure required to test and validate rocket technologies being developed in Ontario. The project includes a 12,000 square-foot office and shop building along with a dedicated engine testing area on approximately 50 acres at the airport. At least 40 highly skilled jobs are expected to be created over the next 18 months, adding a new capability to London’s growing defence and aerospace sector while further strengthening London International Airport as an employment and investment hub. Porter expands London’s connections across Canada and beyond London International Airport also received another major boost with Porter Airlines announcing five new year-round domestic routes from London beginning in spring 2027. The new nonstop service will connect London with Ottawa, Vancouver, Halifax, Edmonton and Montréal. The routes build on Porter’s earlier announcement of four seasonal destinations to Cancun, Montego Bay, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Together, the announcements add nine nonstop destinations to Porter’s growing London network. For London’s business community, increased air connectivity supports more than passenger travel. Easier access to customers, suppliers, investors and talent strengthens the city’s ability to compete for business investment and gives growing companies better connections to markets across Canada and beyond. More to come Additional investment announcements are expected in the coming days, including new projects in pharmaceutical manufacturing and clean energy manufacturing. Together, the projects are expected to bring hundreds of new jobs and significant new industrial investment to London. More details will be shared as the companies formally announce their plans.