CAE, WestJet, and Calgary Airports Break Ground on New Pilot and Cabin Crew Training Centre in September 2026

Canada – Calgary Airports has broken ground on the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace near YYC Calgary International Airport, moving the CAE-operated pilot and cabin crew training project into construction ahead of a planned 2028 opening. The centre will provide local initial and recurrent training capacity for WestJet and other operators while connecting commercial training infrastructure with Mount Royal University (MRU) education and research activities.

• Calgary Airports will invest C$40 million (approximately US$28.7 million) in construction and development of the centre, which will occupy just over half of a new 135,000-square-foot building. A second tenant for the building is expected to be announced later in 2026.
• CAE will design, develop and operate the centre, which is planned with eight full-flight simulators and capacity for further expansion, alongside cabin trainers and digital learning tools. Training will cover the Boeing 737 MAX, 737NG and 787 Dreamliner and De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400).
• MRU states that the facility will have capacity to train approximately 6,000 aviation professionals annually. Students will gain access to CAE simulation technology, while faculty will participate in flight-training research and practical learning initiatives associated with the centre.
• WestJet will be the centre's primary commercial airline customer under a 15-year training agreement signed with CAE in September 2025. Its planned use covers initial and recurrent pilot and cabin crew training, while an Airline Transition Program with MRU will combine university aviation education, airline mentorship and allocated simulator time.
• Alberta has provided C$3.8 million (approximately US$2.7 million) for infrastructure and C$6.9 million (approximately US$5.0 million) to the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund for aerospace workforce development and training initiatives connected with the project. Calgary Airports expects development and long-term management of the centre to support 25 permanent, 189 temporary and 300 contract positions.
• The training centre forms part of the wider YYC AeroNex aviation development. Canada Infrastructure Bank separately lists a C$172 million (approximately US$123.6 million) investment in the wider YYC Calgary International Airport Aviation Hub, covering infrastructure intended to support additional aviation services at the airport.
• AFM previously reported that WestJet and CAE signed the 15-year agreement for the centre in September 2025, when the project was planned with eight simulator bays, cabin training equipment and digital learning tools and was already targeting a 2028 opening. The latest announcement moves the development from the agreement and planning stage into physical construction. 

Statements

• “This facility brings together the best in aviation technology, innovation, education and infrastructure under one roof. It builds on Calgary and Alberta as a growing hub of aviation, aerospace and logistics, and creates a pathway for possibility in this sector through training, development and research,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO at Calgary Airports.
• “What began as a shared vision among industry, academia, and government is now becoming a reality. As demand for skilled aviation professionals continues to accelerate worldwide, this investment will help strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in aviation training, innovation, and talent development. We are proud of this partnership and of the lasting impact it will have on the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO at CAE.
• "This groundbreaking is about more than building a new aviation facility. It’s about building Canada’s capacity right here at home. We’re investing in Canadian workers, strengthening our transportation system, creating good jobs, and making sure Canada has the infrastructure it needs to succeed in a changing world. Our aviation sector is essential to a strong economy, and this project will help build a stronger Canada for generations to come,” said The Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
• “The establishment of the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is a major step forward in growing our aviation and aerospace industry. This groundbreaking is a major milestone for a facility that will help train a strong workforce for decades to come. We are proud to have it in Alberta and witness the growth that will come from this incredible partnership and investment,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.
• “Today’s groundbreaking marks another significant step forward for YYC AeroNex and reinforces Calgary’s position as a growing hub for aviation excellence. The Canada Infrastructure Bank is proud to support infrastructure that drives economic growth, strengthens long-term competitiveness and helps prepare the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.
• "The CAE Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace showcases how Calgary is stepping up to deliver solutions for the global aerospace sector," said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. "Thanks to collaboration across industry, government and post-secondary, the facility will create new, unexpected possibilities for future generations of aviation professionals and businesses in our region and the Blue Sky City," said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
• “We are proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside CAE, YYC Calgary International Airport, our government partners, and all the organizations that helped bring this vision to life. By investing in people, innovation, and industry-leading training, we are helping create opportunities for future aviation professionals while strengthening WestJet’s ability to grow and serve Canadians for years to come,” said Diederik Pen, President, WestJet Airlines & Chief Operating Officer, WestJet Group.
• "Mount Royal University shares this inspiring vision for the future of aviation education in Alberta. Breaking ground with our partners today officially turns that ambition into reality for our students, the industry, and the region. We really are setting a new standard for aviation education in Canada," said Dr. Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Royal University.

Source: Calgary Airports