While the federal government continues talks with airlines over a bailout package that could cost as much as $9 billion, a parliamentary committee on March 23 heard from other aviation sector players about ways to assist the recovery of the industry left reeling from pandemic restrictions on domestic and international travel. Ottawa’s fighter jet contract is worth up to $19 billion for the winning firm, and Boeing is one of three aircraft manufacturers that have bid on the contract. Boeing boasted last October that its project “can guarantee” $61 billion for the Canadian economy and generate nearly 250,000 jobs over its 40-year lifespan. But until Ottawa makes a decision, that windfall for the aerospace industry and the chosen bidder remains in limbo. On March 23, Boeing International president Michael Arthur told the standing committee on industry, science, and technology that a winning bid to replace Canada’s aging fighter jets with …