As global demand grows for advanced airborne intelligence, surveillance, and mission-ready aviation solutions, Canada’s special mission aviation sector continues to evolve. Against this backdrop, PAL Aerospace has named a new leader to guide its next phase of growth and international expansion.
On March 9, 2026, Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) announced the appointment of Simon Carroll as President of PAL Aerospace. Based in Winnipeg, the leadership transition comes at a time when the company’s specialized capabilities—ranging from mission systems integration to operational support and training—are seeing accelerating demand both in Canada and internationally.
Carroll steps into the role with a mandate to lead one of Canada’s most distinctive aerospace portfolios, spanning airborne special mission engineering and modification, C4ISR mission software integration, contracted mission operations, defence in-service support, and adaptive special mission training. These capabilities are delivered across a growing global footprint that connects Canadian innovation with international defence and security partners.
A Global Leader for a Canadian Aerospace Capability
Carroll brings with him a deep background in defence, aerospace, and international program leadership. His career has taken him across multiple regions—including Canada, the Middle East, and Australia—where he has led complex operational and technology-driven programs.
Before joining PAL Aerospace, Carroll served in senior executive roles with Saab, including President of Saab Canada and President and General Manager of Saab Middle East LLC, where he led regional business development and program execution efforts.
Earlier in his career, Carroll served 13 years as a Warfare Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, holding assignments within the Australian Defence Force’s Capability Development Group. After leaving military service, he continued to build expertise across the defence and telecommunications sectors, working on large-scale integration and delivery initiatives.
This combination of military experience, international industry leadership, and program execution expertise positions Carroll to lead PAL Aerospace during a period of growing operational demand and technological evolution.
Strengthening Canada’s C4ISR Advantage
PAL Aerospace plays a distinctive role within Canada’s defence and security ecosystem. Together with the broader EIC group, the company helps deliver a strategic C4ISR advantage by combining sovereign mission software and integration capabilities with operational aviation expertise.
From Arctic mobility and surveillance missions to integrated data management and in-country sustainment, PAL Aerospace’s model connects advanced mission technology with real-world operational delivery. Its capabilities are supported by a coast-to-coast-to-coast air network and defence-enabling infrastructure, enabling the company to operate across some of the most demanding environments in the world.
For EIC leadership, Carroll’s appointment reinforces the corporation’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s defence and aerospace capabilities.
“Engaging highly talented individuals, like Simon, demonstrates the commitment and importance that both EIC & PAL place on the defence sector,” said Jake Trainor, President, EIC. “Simon strengthens the leadership depth at PAL Aerospace and deliver dependable mission outcomes for customers. EIC’s strategy is straightforward: build sovereign, Canadian capability and deliver it reliably at maximum impact.”
Scaling Capabilities for Global Demand
PAL Aerospace’s growth trajectory reflects a broader shift in the global defence and security landscape. Governments and allied partners are increasingly seeking integrated mission solutions that combine surveillance platforms, data integration, and operational support into cohesive capabilities.
For Calvin Ash, CEO of PAL Group of Companies, Carroll’s leadership arrives at exactly the right moment.
“Simon is joining at a pivotal moment for PAL Aerospace as we are seeing domestic and global demand for proven sovereign allied mission-ready capability accelerating,” said Calvin Ash, CEO – PAL Group of Companies. “Simon is a proven integrator of people, technology, and capabilities with deep international relationships and leadership experience. As our growth accelerates in Canada and globally, his track record leading multi-region teams and delivering complex programs will help us continue to move quickly, execute reliably, and deliver the exceptional outcomes our customers depend on.”
As demand for integrated mission solutions continues to grow, the company’s ability to combine engineering, software integration, operational aviation, and training into a single ecosystem has become a defining advantage.
Building the Next Generation of Special Mission Solutions
For Carroll, the opportunity to lead PAL Aerospace reflects the strength of a company that has quietly built one of the most comprehensive special mission ecosystems in the industry.
“PAL Aerospace has built an exceptionally rare set of end-to-end special missions capabilities, from mission software and systems integration to engineering, flight operations, sustainment, and training,” said Simon Carroll, President, PAL Aerospace. “What has stood out most to me is the strength and passion of the teams in Canada and across the company’s global facilities. I’m looking forward to working closely with them to scale our next-gen solutions and deliver mission-ready capability with the dependable execution PAL has become known for.”
As Carroll assumes leadership, PAL Aerospace appears well positioned to expand its role as a key provider of integrated airborne mission capabilities—supporting Canada’s security priorities while delivering specialized aviation solutions to allied partners around the world.