Mr. Jeffrey Ciachurski reports

CAPTIVA VERDE AND MATNAGGEWINU DEVELOPMENT CORP (MDC) WELCOME BRANDON SCHILLING TO AVIATION AND MILITARY ADVISORY BOARD

Captiva Verde Wellness Corp. and Matnaggewinu Development Corp., a Mi'kmaq-owned joint venture partner of Captiva Verde, have appointed Brandon Schilling to the aviation and military advisory board. He brings an impressive background in aerospace, defence, space systems, foreign military sales, and maintenance, repair and overhaul industries, further strengthening MDC's efforts to expand into these rapidly growing markets.

Mr. Schilling's experience and expertise

Mr. Schilling is a career professional with extensive experience across the aerospace, defence, space systems, FMS and MRO industries. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in business development, aviation sales and strategic market growth. He has led and overseen the development and growth of profitable new aircraft sales, managing deal sizes ranging from $3.5-million to $700-million. He has cultivated key relationships with in-country sales agents, embassy personnel, and high-ranking foreign military commanders and generals. His efforts ensured business growth by aligning business development activities with organizational strategies.

While at MD Helicopters, he identified and developed new commercial and military customers for MD products, including 500, 600 and 902 class helicopters. He developed market intelligence to focus business development efforts and created multiyear sales forecasts to meet annual operating plans.

In the space sector, he worked with leading organizations such as NASA, NSPO, SpaceX, JPL, USAF, United Launch Alliance and Astrobotics. He negotiated and contracted lunar payloads for NASA's CLPS program aboard the Masten lunar lander. He conducted research and analysis on U.S. and international civil space markets, industry trends, policy developments, and competitive landscapes, supporting business development processes and strategic decision making.

He has also excelled in managing contracts and sales across global aviation and aerospace sectors. At Able Aerospace, he maintained and managed over 120 worldwide aviation contracts, including with major rotor wing original equipment manufacturers and APAC airlines such as Bell, Leonardo Agusta Westland, Asiana Airlines and Korean Airlines. He expanded a client's business by 440 per cent from 2019 to 2020. His expertise includes responding to customer RFPs/RFQs, negotiating long-term agreements, and leading multidisciplinary teams for business capture and proposal efforts.

MDC Aviation mission statement

At MDC Aviation, its mission is to empower Mi'kma'ki's economic resurgence by leveraging its expertise in aviation and military equipment advisory and sales. It is dedicated to serving as a dynamic platform that champions indigenous innovation and leadership in the aerospace and defence sectors. Through strategic procurement and targeted set-aside programs, it aims to drive sustainable growth, foster robust partnerships and ensure its community competes on a global scale while honouring its rich cultural heritage.

Its story

Founded by Nowlen Augustine, a proud Mi'kmaq and former U.S. marine, driven by a commitment to excellence and service, MDC Aviation was born from a vision of economic revitalization in Mi'kma'ki. Rooted in the enduring spirit and traditions of its people, MDC Aviation is more than a business. It is a transformative platform that bridges indigenous heritage with advanced aviation and military capabilities. Drawing on Nowlen's invaluable military experience and leadership, it offers cutting-edge advisory services and access to state-of-the-art military and aviation equipment. By leveraging strategic procurement and set-aside initiatives, it paves the way for enhanced indigenous participation and leadership in a competitive global landscape. At MDC Aviation, its mission is to empower its communities, foster sustainable growth and honour its proud legacy while driving progress in the aerospace and defence sectors.

A growing market and unprecedented opportunity

The aerospace, defence and space system markets present significant growth potential for indigenous-owned businesses. These industries are driven by increased government spending, technological advancements and the expanding role of private sector companies. The Canadian government has recognized the essential role that indigenous businesses play in driving economic growth, innovation and community empowerment.

By incorporating indigenous businesses into its procurement processes, the Canadian government is creating an ideal environment for companies like MDC to thrive in the following key markets:

• Aerospace industry:
  • Global market size: The civil aviation market is projected to reach $1.2-trillion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5 per cent.
  • MRO services: Maintenance, repair and overhaul services for commercial aviation alone are expected to exceed $90-billion annually by 2027, driven by the demand for fleet expansion and maintenance.
• Defence industry:
  • Global defence spending: The global defence market is valued at over $2-trillion, with U.S. defence spending surpassing $800-billion annually.
  • Canadian defence budget: Canada is significantly increasing its defence spending, with $35-billion earmarked for modernizing military platforms, creating procurement opportunities for companies like MDC.
  • Foreign military sales: The U.S. FMS program consistently exceeds $50-billion annually, providing defence systems to allied nations and opening new markets for indigenous businesses.
• Space systems:
  • The global space economy is projected to grow from $500-billion in 2024 to $1-trillion by 2040, driven by investments in satellite technology, space exploration and defence applications.
  • The U.S. Space Force and the Canadian Space Agency are key players in developing military satellite systems and space-based surveillance.

Positioning for success

Matnaggewinu's entry into aerospace, defence and space system markets aligns with this growing demand and government initiatives to include more indigenous businesses in procurement processes. Mr. Schilling's expertise will help position MDC as a key player in these sectors, leveraging indigenous procurement programs and set-aside opportunities in Canada and the United States.

Captiva Verde and MDC remain committed to building partnerships and exploring innovative solutions in these high-growth industries while fostering economic empowerment for Mi'kmaq communities.

About Matnaggewinu Development Corp.

Matnaggewinu is a Mi'kmaq-owned joint venture focused on innovation and growth in the aerospace, defence and space system sectors. With a mission to create sustainable business opportunities and promote indigenous leadership in high-technology industries, MDC leverages strategic partnerships and government procurement programs to achieve its goals. Matnaggewinu is 49 per cent owned by Captiva Verde.

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