Province invests $11 million in Calgary’s first-of-its-kind aviation, aerospace training facility
Posted Sep 10, 2025 4:15 pm.
The Alberta government has announced a significant investment in the province’s aviation future, committing $11 million toward the development of a state-of-the-art aviation and aerospace training facility in Calgary.
The 126,000-square-foot facility, set to begin construction later this year, will be located near Calgary International Airport and is expected to be operational by 2028. Once complete, it will train up to 6,000 pilots annually and include classrooms, training operations, and eight advanced flight simulators.
“This investment is further proof that we are investing in the future of Alberta aviation,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration. “Alberta has a rich history in training pilots and a strong place in the aviation sector.”
The initiative is part of a 15-year training agreement between WestJet, Mount Royal University, and Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE), a global leader in aviation safety and pilot training. The facility will also support cabin crew training across various aircraft types—training that WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech says is vital to airline safety and success.
“Training is, for the most part, about safety,” said von Hoensbroech. “CAE is the leader in making aviation safe on a worldwide basis.”
CAE President and CEO Matthew Bromberg emphasized the company’s commitment to realism and effectiveness in pilot training.
“We invest more than any other company to ensure that the experience is so real that the pilots get the most effective and safe training. That’s what sets us apart.”
The announcement is part of a broader $32 million investment aimed at advancing Alberta’s aviation industry, which includes support for the YYC AeroNex innovation hub at Calgary International Airport.
Mount Royal University, the primary post-secondary partner in the project, welcomed the announcement.
“In return, the sector will get skilled professionals ready to address the growing needs of the aviation industry,” said Dr. Chad London, Provost and Vice-President.
Brad Parry, CEO of Calgary Economic Development, called the announcement “another step” toward positioning Calgary as a global leader in aviation and aerospace innovation.
With files from Phoenix Phillips
