Alberta’s government is providing almost $11 million to support the development of the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace. Alongside investments from WestJet, CAE and other partners, the funding will help construct a 126,000-square-foot training facility, enabling the training of more than 6,000 aviation professionals each year. Alberta’s government is providing $3.7 million to CAE through the Investment and Growth Fund, along with $7 million through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund to support training, equipment and new programs for Mount Royal University Students.
With a growing aviation sector and new advances in technology, it is vital to have the training, education and experience for pilots and other aviation professionals close to home. Alberta’s investments are expected to leverage more than $400 million in aviation and aerospace industry activity over the coming 15 years, including infrastructure development and ongoing aviation workforce skill development.
“The Training Centre of Excellence is about more than supporting one project. It is about securing Alberta’s place as a leader in aviation for decades to come. From training pilots to advancing aerospace technology, Alberta is stepping up to ensure our province is not only keeping pace with global demand but setting the standard for excellence. Calgary will be recognized worldwide as a hub of aviation expertise, and Alberta will be known as the place where talent, innovation and opportunity come together to power the future of flight.”
“Our government is excited to help make the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence in aviation and aerospace a reality here in Calgary. This investment is a result of our focus on making Alberta the best place to do business. Low corporate taxes, reduced red tape and competitive incentive programs like the Investment and Growth Fund continue to attract world-class investments, support workforce development, create jobs and grow the economy.”
These investments will help to address growing workforce pressure in the aviation sector by ensuring students in Alberta can access the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence to build the skills they need for in-demand occupations in the aviation sector.
“Today marks a proud moment for CAE and for Canadian aviation. The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence represents what’s possible when industry, academia and government come together with a shared vision for innovation, safety and workforce development. As global demand for aviation professionals accelerates, this centre positions Canada to remain at the forefront of training excellence. I am grateful to our partners for their trust and collaboration in shaping the future of aviation.”
“Today marks another important step in making our city and our region an aviation hub. The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), along with our partners at the Government of Alberta, CAE, WestJet and Mount Royal University, is committed to help build the aviation workforce of tomorrow. Through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, we’re helping do what Calgary does best: connecting bold ideas with the right people together to make amazing things happen and to build a strong, resilient economic future for our city.”
WestJet will serve as the anchor commercial aviation customer in the new Alberta Training Centre of Excellence. This builds on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 between WestJet and Alberta’s government to diversify and grow Alberta’s aerospace, aviation and logistics sectors.
“WestJet’s commitment to being the first commercial airline customer at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is a testament to our investment in our current and future WestJetters and in Calgary as an aviation hub. This 15-year contract is a significant commitment that will ensure our people receive the highest standard of training for years to come, and we’re very pleased to join forces with CAE, a global leader in aviation training and fellow Canadian company, to bring this project to life.”
Funding partners will work together to offer an airline transition program and an instructor development program for Mount Royal University students and instructors who will also have access to equipment, software and data for training and research at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence.
“Mount Royal University is proud to be shaping the future of aviation education in Canada. Partnering with CAE and WestJet will give students access to advanced equipment and training programs, scholarships, networking opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders. We're excited to see our students take flight as the workforce of the future.”
“Invest Alberta is thrilled that our client CAE is partnering with WestJet to continue the strategic development of the aviation sector. This is a sign of great things to come in Alberta as we continue to collaborate with our partners to create jobs and drive economic diversification in the province.”
“This is another significant milestone in the development of Calgary and Alberta as a hub for aviation maintenance, training and technology. We’re proud to work with partners including WestJet, CAE and the Government of Alberta in advancing the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence, facilitating the onshoring of essential supports that will build the sector and attract further investment.”
This investment follows a commitment of more than $21 million to help Calgary Airports develop YYC AeroNex and the infrastructure needed for the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence. These investments will support future growth at Calgary International Airport and further strengthen Alberta’s aviation sector.
Quick facts
- The aviation and aerospace sector plays a key role in Alberta’s long-term economic prosperity by driving innovation, supporting over 19,000 jobs and contributing more than $1.8 billion to the provincial GDP.