Calgary is advancing its place as the innovation capital of Canada with a strategic investment of nearly $11 million to build the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence located at the Calgary International Airport.
Backed by the Government of Alberta and a portion of the project delivered through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), this five-year investment will address a growing shortage of aviation talent, while strengthening Calgary’s position as a centre for research, training and aerospace innovation.
“Through OCIF, 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,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of OCIF.
“Today marks another important step in making our city and our region an aviation hub. OCIF, along with our partners at the Government of Alberta, CAE, WestJet, and Mount Royal University, is committed to helping build the aviation workforce of tomorrow.”
Until now, aspiring pilots and aviation professionals in Alberta often had to leave the province for advanced training. This new facility keeps talent in Calgary, accelerates career development and offers a space where commercial and post-secondary clients can train and innovate.
The OCIF-supported portion of the project will create 22 permanent jobs, train 96 individuals, deliver 900 simulator hours for local students and instructors, fund research and development (R&D) initiatives to develop commercially viable technologies, and provide scholarships for 25 Mount Royal University students.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between leading organizations committed to building Calgary's aerospace future. CAE brings global aviation training and simulation expertise; WestJet offers real-world industry insight and a direct need for skilled aviation professionals; and Mount Royal University is strengthening the talent pipeline by equipping students with applied education and direct industry experience. Together, these partners are positioning Calgary as a premier hub for the next generation of pilots. Thus, helping address the looming shortage of 42,000 to 55,000 aviation workers projected by 2035, according to the Alberta Aviation and Aerospace Council.
“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,” said Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta.
The training facility builds on past OCIF investments and growing aerospace footprint, including the Southern Alberta Technology Institute’s Advanced Composite Materials Lab, Lufthansa Technik’s Canadian presence and the Aerospace Innovation Hub as part of Calgary’s Innovation Strategy.
“This investment marks a pivotal step forward,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By developing local talent, advancing research, and supporting industry collaboration, we’re helping solve national challenges while building a more resilient and future-focused economy.”