Loomex Group – Peterborough, Ontario

October 11, 2024

Loomex Group

Elevating Aviation in North America Through Innovation and Advocacy

An aviation industry leader with cutting-edge solutions, robust community partnerships, and support for small airports.

Loomex Group, a multifaceted enterprise with a remarkable breadth of expertise boasts solutions that span the vital economic pillars of aviation, aerospace and Defence, government services, and construction. Under the leadership of President and CEO Trent Gervais, the company has carved out a significant presence across North America, consistently delivering specialized services and strategic solutions to a diverse clientele.

Gervais outlines the three main divisions that form the backbone of Loomex Group. “We have aviation and aerospace, government services which include emergency management, fire, and life safety, and then a construction division that specializes in airport construction,” he explains. This multi-pronged approach enables Loomex to address the complex needs of its clients, providing comprehensive solutions that ensure safety, efficiency, and innovation.

In addition to these core divisions, Loomex Group has expanded its influence through two subsidiary companies: Explore Solutions and ACF Associates. Explore Solutions operates in the United States and Canada, focusing predominantly on aerospace strategy and tactics. ACF Associates, on the other hand, is dedicated to defense, primarily supporting NATO member countries’ air forces including Canada’s. “We work with their flight line programs and collaborate with major defense aircraft manufacturers,” Gervais adds.

North American Reach and Municipal Impact

Loomex Group operates on a continental scale, with a particular strength in Canada. Gervais clarifies, “We’re North American-wide on the airport side. Most of our work is in Canada, although we also work in the US.” The company’s extensive reach is evident, having worked on airports in the Northwest Territories, northern Quebec’s remote indigenous communities, and practically every province and territory in Canada.

Gervais speaks passionately about municipal work at Peterborough Airport. “Peterborough is one of my passions,” he says, reflecting on the airport’s transformation since he began overseeing it in 2007. Initially, the airport was a modest facility with a 5000-foot runway and minimal infrastructure. Gervais’s dual background in the fire service and business provided a unique perspective, enabling him to recognize the airport’s untapped potential. He recalls, “There were some significant operational issues, and it was one of those other duties as assigned. With my business background, I saw that this airport has great potential. It was time for a new planning focus to move the airport forward.”

Gervais, city staff, and the Chief Administrative Officer developed a comprehensive plan. “We put together this expansion plan to start looking at the development side as opposed to the air side,” he explains. This strategic shift led to the creation of the new updated airport master plan. These efforts revealed that the airport could be a significant economic driver and job creator for the region.

Peterborough Airport’s transformation is a prime example of how municipal airports can evolve. The city invested $28 million in ground infrastructure, which, combined with stimulus money, expanded the runway to 7000 feet and improved facilities to accommodate larger aircraft. This development attracted significant attention and investment, with Gervais noting, “It’s not often where you see the Prime Minister and the premier of Ontario and local politicians doing ribbon cutting on the same day at the same time.”

Gervais emphasizes the broader implications of such projects, advocating for a business-centric approach to municipal airports. “Often, we’ll go into airports and do a study to determine what the GDP is and what this airport is dumping into the local economy,” he says. In Peterborough, the airport’s economic contribution grew from $30 million in 2007 to over $100 million today. This growth is attributed to a diversified approach encompassing aerospace manufacturing, education, and general aviation.

Enhancing Emergency Services

Safety and emergency preparedness are non-negotiable elements in the aviation sector. Gervais, with his background in emergency services, emphasizes the importance of these aspects for airports of all sizes.

“Every airport that is certified and requires annual exercises, with a large-scale exercise every fourth year,” he explains. The challenge, however, lies in the fact that many smaller airports lack dedicated emergency management teams. “It can be difficult for airport managers trying to cut grass and plow snow to get a handle on that,” he notes. Recognizing this gap, Loomex Group has developed innovative products and programs to support these airports.

One of these initiatives is the aircraft simulator program. Gervais describes it vividly: “We bring an aircraft fuselage into these airports and set up complete crash sites, with suitcases, clothes, live actors, and simulated fire and smoke.” This realistic setup replaces the traditional, less effective methods, such as using a school bus to simulate an airplane. The simulator has been deployed in diverse locations, from remote northern Ontario forests to major airport gates, illustrating its adaptability.

In addition to the simulator, Loomex Group offers a comprehensive suite of emergency response services. These include crisis communication training, developing customized emergency response plans, and specific training in critical incident stress management and aircraft recovery. The company has also played a crucial role in real-world emergency responses, such as managing transportation hubs during wildfires. “We worked with communities like the city of Dryden, helping to evacuate Indigenous community members to shelters in southern Ontario,” Gervais recounts.

Streamlined Management and Strategic Construction

Effective airport management requires a multifaceted approach, especially when dealing with limited staff and resources. Gervais explains how Loomex Group addresses these challenges by leveraging a broad support network.

“If we go in to run an airport and put our manager in place, we have safety management, compliance specialists, business development and marketing experts, and finance specialists at their fingertips,” he says. This structure ensures that even small airports can benefit from the collective expertise of Loomex Group’s comprehensive team. In contrast to municipalities that might struggle with limited resources, Loomex Group provides a robust backup system. “If our manager is off sick, we can put another manager in place to support the airport,” he adds, ensuring seamless operations and quick responses to any incidents or special events.

Gervais also highlights the cost-effectiveness of this model. “It’s very affordable because, although we might have a fee for managing compliance separate from our contract, in most cases, these are just multiple resources that our manager on-site can call and get help,” he states. This integrated approach allows for efficient and effective management, ensuring that airports operate smoothly and safely, regardless of size or location.

On the construction front, Loomex Group takes a strategic approach. “Safety is always the top priority,” Gervais asserts. When developing a master plan, Loomex identifies critical infrastructure needs, such as runway conditions and lighting systems. Many municipal airports have aging infrastructure, with runway lighting systems that are 30 to 40 years old. “We start with the critical infrastructure first and then move to projects that will generate revenue to support replacing that critical infrastructure,” he explains.

Addressing Workforce Shortages and Building Strong Partnerships

The aviation sector faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of workforce shortages. Gervais addresses this by exploring innovative solutions and proactive educational initiatives. “We’re looking at autonomous equipment and what role that plays in addressing the inability to hire folks,” he states. This exploration includes developing training programs to fill the gap left by the absence of Transport Canada’s airside worker training program.

Loomex Group also focuses on educating the community about the diverse career opportunities within aviation. Gervais highlights these efforts: “We’re doing a lot of education around getting out to the communities we work in, talking to students at high school and even grade school levels about careers in aviation.” By showcasing the various trades and professions needed in aviation, from electricians and plumbers to engineers and pilots, Loomex aims to inspire the next generation. These initiatives include tours and educational programs at airports, making these careers more accessible and appealing.

Loomex Group also contributes to high school aviation programs. Gervais shares an inspiring story: “We helped kick start a few high school aviation programs. One of their first students went through the high school program, then community college, worked for Loomex and was promoted to an airport manager position and is now working with Transport Canada.” This success story underlines the importance of introducing aviation at younger ages, creating clear pathways to careers in the industry.

Building Community and Industry Partnerships

Loomex Group’s success is also built on strong community and industry partnerships. One notable partner is Team Eagle, a worldwide aviation equipment supply company. Gervais speaks highly of their collaboration: “Team Eagle has been with us every step of the way, providing advice, affordable solutions, and exceptional service. They’ll go to great lengths to help any airport get up and running, even delivering aircraft parts on Christmas Eve.”

In addition to industry partners, Loomex collaborates with educational institutions. Gervais emphasizes the role of local community colleges and universities, notably Seneca College. “It was three years in the works with the city of Peterborough, Loomex, and Seneca working together to create innovative solutions to get them here,” he says. The result is a thriving partnership that benefits the educational institution and the local community.

Seneca College, renowned for its various areas of expertise, has become a significant presence at Peterborough Airport. Gervais notes, “150 to 160 students are living here year-round, on the airfield every day, and pretty much they all get hired somewhere after completing the program.” This collaboration enhances the local economy and ensures a steady stream of skilled professionals entering the aviation industry.

Vision for the Future

As Loomex Group approaches the second fiscal quarter of 2024/2025 fiscal year, Gervais outlines an ambitious vision for the company, grounded in its mission statement: “One team, one mission, and everybody matters.”

“We’re coming out with a new process from onboarding to professional development, with a big emphasis on the professional development side,” he explains. This initiative empowers employees, allowing them to pursue their career aspirations within the company.

Advocacy for small airports also remains a top priority for Gervais. He emphasizes the need for critical infrastructure support from all levels of government, particularly for northern communities that rely on these transportation links. “We are strong advocates for the critical infrastructure support needed by small airports,” he asserts, advocacy that extends to infrastructure improvements and the vital transportation services these airports provide.

A groundbreaking project on the horizon is creating a network linking all Loomex-managed airports. This initiative will facilitate communication and collaboration among senior elected officials, airport managers, and staff. “It’s an opportunity that’s got everything from webinars, podcasting, to educational articles,” Gervais describes. This grassroots network aims to connect people with the right resources, fostering a more cohesive and informed airport community.

Gervais is also keen on converting Loomex’s passion into tangible outcomes. “Our top priority is taking our passion and turning it into reality,” he states. The company is finalizing its strategic plan for the next three years, which includes potential acquisitions that align with its business model. “We don’t want to compete in saturated spaces; we want to make a difference,” he says. For Loomex, the primary goal is identifying and addressing industry needs, with profitability as a subsequent outcome. “The profits will fall into place later. If it makes a difference in the industry, it’s needed,” he concludes.