Boeing has just awarded this Kelowna company for its work

A member of one of Kelowna’s major employer teams is responding to the historic award given by the world’s top aviation company.

Canada's leading commercial maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, KF Aerospace, has achieved the significant milestone.

They earned recognition from Boeing as one of its premier suppliers at The Boeing Company's 2023 Supplier of the Year event. Their excellence was acknowledged specifically in the Safety and Quality category.

This achievement shows KF Aerospace's pivotal role in upholding Boeing's core values of safety, quality, sustainability, and reliable delivery, making it a standout contributor to Boeing.

“Words can't express how special this award is to us. Boeing has over 11,000 global suppliers, and we were recognized as top in this category of quality and safety,” Vinny Sharma, Hangar Operations Manager told Kelowna10. “We're the first ever maintenance repair and overhaul company to win this award. So, we're honored, blessed, humbled to win this award.”

For the last 35 years, KF Aerospace has been doing major contributions to the aviation industry, while actively being involved in Boeing's Converted Freighter (BCF) program, featuring a 737-800 passenger-to-freighter conversion line in its Kelowna facility.

The award is not just an accolade for the company, it's a celebration of Kelowna's growing influence in the aerospace industry.

“It speaks volumes for Kelowna and the region as a whole…and has since grown into the leader in Canadian aviation, as well recognized globally as reflected by this award from Boeing,” Sharma said.

Looking ahead, they have current projects in the pipeline. They are part of a collaborative effort with Boeing for the replacement of the Aurora aircraft for the Canadian military, serving as a key member of the P-8 Poseidon team. It’s a project that will upgrade Canada’s military capabilities in various capacities.

Although the accolades and opportunities are significant, Sharma knows it wouldn’t be possible without the team on the ground.

“It can't be highlighted enough. The talent that we have here in Kelowna, we are the leading MRO in Canada, and perhaps all North America,” he said. “I think it speaks volumes for the skill sets that we have here at Kelowna KF Aerospace.”