WestJet and CAE Launch Aviation Training Hub in Calgary by 2028

WestJet and CAE Partnership Establishes World-Class Aviation Training Hub in Calgary The recent announcement of a 15-year training agreement between WestJet and CAE Inc. to establish the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace marks a transformative development in Canada’s aviation sector. This initiative addresses critical workforce shortages and positions Calgary as a major aviation training hub. Set to open in 2028, the 126,000-square-foot facility will house eight full-flight simulators, with capacity for expansion, alongside cabin trainers and advanced digital learning tools. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as a global pilot shortage looms and Alberta seeks to diversify its economy and reinforce its position as a leader in aerospace innovation. This multimillion-dollar project is not just a response to immediate training needs; it is a strategic cornerstone in Alberta’s broader aviation sector development. With support from WestJet, CAE, Mount Royal University, and government partners, the collaboration demonstrates how industry, academia, and the public sector can align to create innovative solutions to workforce challenges. The facility will complement other major investments in Alberta’s aviation sector and is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs, along with dozens of permanent positions, contributing to the region’s economic growth and diversification. As the aviation industry faces unprecedented demand for skilled professionals, this centre represents a proactive approach to workforce development, economic resilience, and technological advancement. The following sections break down the partnership, facility specifications, industry context, economic impact, and the broader implications for Alberta and Canada’s aviation future. Partnership Agreement and Strategic Framework The foundational agreement between WestJet and CAE is one of the most significant aviation training partnerships in Canadian history. With a 15-year duration, the contract is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting a substantial financial commitment from both organizations. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech highlighted that the airline’s growth has outpaced its internal training capacity, necessitating this partnership to meet projected workforce needs as WestJet’s pilot and crew numbers are expected to exceed 10,000 within the decade. CAE’s decision to locate its first dedicated training centre in Alberta is a strategic move, leveraging the region’s economic growth and WestJet’s expansion plans. Matthew Bromberg, CAE’s CEO, noted Alberta’s “incredible growth” and the synergy with WestJet’s operations as key factors in the centre’s location. The partnership allows CAE to bring its global expertise in simulation and training to Western Canada, while WestJet secures access to world-class training infrastructure without the capital burden of building its own facility. With WestJet as the anchor customer, the centre will enjoy stable utilization, while CAE can open the facility to other Airlines and organizations, maximizing asset use and revenue. This structure supports WestJet’s aggressive fleet expansion, which includes recent Orders for 67 Boeing aircraft and positions the airline for sustained growth. The agreement is designed to be flexible, scalable, and beneficial for the broader aviation community in Alberta. “We have grown our workforce to a level that our own training capacities can by no means cover the training requirements that we have.” , Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet CEO Facility Specifications and Advanced Training Capabilities The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence will be a state-of-the-art facility, initially spanning 126,000 square feet with eight full-flight simulators. These simulators will support training for Boeing 737 Max, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, the core of WestJet’s current and planned fleet. The facility will also feature cabin trainers and digital learning tools, enabling comprehensive training for both pilots and cabin crew. CAE’s global reputation as the largest training operator ensures that the centre will incorporate best-in-class simulation technologies, such as the CAE 7000XR series full-motion simulators. These allow for realistic and safe training in emergency procedures, adverse weather, and complex operational scenarios. The integration of digital tools supports blended learning approaches, improving both efficiency and effectiveness while tracking individual performance through advanced analytics. Mount Royal University’s involvement as the primary academic partner adds a research and development dimension to the facility. This collaboration will enable joint research initiatives, curriculum development, and direct student exposure to cutting-edge aviation training technologies. The university’s established aviation programs create seamless pathways from education to employment, supporting both workforce development and innovation. Industry Context and Global Pilot Shortage The launch of this training centre comes at a time when the aviation industry faces a severe global pilot shortage. Boeing’s outlook projects a need for over 300,000 new pilots worldwide over the next decade, with 123,000 required in North-America alone. Factors contributing to this shortage include mandatory retirement ages, an aging workforce, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian data mirrors these global trends. The government’s Job Bank has identified a “strong risk of shortage” for pilots nationally through 2033, with nearly 40% of Canadian pilots aged 50 or older. The Alberta Aviation and Aerospace Council estimates that Canada’s aviation and aerospace sectors may face a shortfall of 55,000 workers by 2035. The shortage is already impacting airline operations, driving up salaries and bonuses as carriers compete for scarce talent. Training capacity is a key bottleneck. Airlines, including WestJet, have been forced to send staff across North America and even to Europe for training, incurring significant costs and logistical challenges. The new centre in Calgary will help address these gaps, providing local, high-quality training and supporting the continued growth of Canada’s aviation industry. “As global demand for aviation professionals accelerates, this centre positions Canada to remain at the forefront of training excellence.” , Matthew Bromberg, CAE CEO Economic Impact and Investment Framework The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is a substantial economic investment, with approximately $100 million in funding split between CAE and the Government of Alberta. Calgary Economic Development has contributed nearly $11 million through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). The construction phase is expected to create around 600 jobs, while the operational phase will provide 25 to 50 permanent positions in high-skill roles. With the capacity to train about 6,000 industry professionals annually, the facility will generate tens of millions of dollars in training revenue each year, much of which previously left the province. The OCIF-supported portion of the project targets measurable outcomes, including job creation, training hours, scholarships for students, and research initiatives. These investments foster economic diversification and help establish aviation training as a new economic cluster for Alberta. The centre’s impact extends beyond direct job creation. By positioning Calgary as a regional hub for aviation training, it is expected to attract clients from across Western Canada and beyond, generating export revenue and supporting the province’s long-term economic growth. The development complements other major aerospace investments in Alberta, amplifying the region’s competitive advantage. Strategic Positioning and Alberta’s Aviation Hub Development The training centre is a key component of Alberta’s strategy to become a leading North American aviation and aerospace hub. This aligns with provincial initiatives, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the Alberta government and WestJet, which commits to creating a centre of excellence for aviation training. The province has also pledged annual funding for aviation sector training programs and support for bursaries and student loans in high-demand occupations. Calgary’s existing infrastructure, including its status as the fourth-busiest airport in Canada, provides a solid foundation for aviation sector growth. The training centre, alongside projects like Lufthansa Technik’s $120 million engine maintenance facility and De Havilland’s airplane manufacturing complex, creates a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in Alberta. These investments are projected to boost aerospace revenues from $2.7 billion in 2022 to $4.7 billion by 2030, with employment expected to rise by nearly 60%. Industry analysts suggest that these developments could position Alberta to rival Quebec as a national aerospace leader. The integration of training, maintenance, and manufacturing facilities creates a cluster effect, attracting further investment and talent to the region. The training centre’s partnership with Mount Royal University also fosters innovation and research, driving advancements in aviation training methodologies and technology. Timeline and Construction Implementation Construction of the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the facility expected to open in 2028. The centre will be built adjacent to WestJet’s campus at Calgary International Airport, ensuring operational synergies and logistical efficiencies. CAE brings extensive project management experience, having developed training centres in over 35 countries, and will oversee the installation of advanced simulators and training equipment. The three-year development period allows for thorough planning, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with other airport projects. This approach ensures the facility will meet the highest standards for aviation training infrastructure and be ready to support WestJet’s fleet expansion and the broader industry’s training needs upon opening. Beyond construction, the facility will be equipped with the latest technologies and designed for future expansion, providing flexibility to adapt to evolving industry demands. The timeline also supports workforce planning, ensuring qualified staff are available when the centre becomes operational. Educational Partnership and Workforce Development Integration Mount Royal University’s role as the primary post-secondary partner is central to the centre’s mission of workforce development. With over 55 years of experience in aviation education, the university offers established programs, including a two-year aviation diploma and Alberta’s first four-year Bachelor of Aviation Management degree. The partnership will enable students to access advanced training, simulators, scholarships, and networking opportunities, creating seamless pathways from education to employment. Research and development initiatives will be a key focus, with collaborative projects between university researchers, CAE, and WestJet aimed at advancing aviation training methodologies. These initiatives will provide students with hands-on experience and contribute to the development of innovative training technologies. The partnership also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with targeted support for underrepresented and Indigenous communities. Scholarships and mentorship programs will help reduce barriers to entry and ensure that aviation career opportunities are accessible to all qualified students. “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.” , Premier Danielle Smith Conclusion and Strategic Implications The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence, established through the WestJet-CAE partnership, represents a landmark investment in Canadian aviation infrastructure. By addressing critical workforce shortages and fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, the centre is set to become a cornerstone of Calgary’s emergence as a major aviation hub. Its capacity to train thousands of professionals annually will help close the pilot gap, support airline growth, and drive economic diversification in Alberta. Looking forward, the centre’s integration of advanced technologies, research capabilities, and educational partnerships positions it at the forefront of global aviation training innovation. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence will play a vital role in ensuring Canada remains competitive, resilient, and prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. FAQ Q: When will the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence open? A: Construction is set to begin in 2025, with the facility expected to open in 2028. Q: How many professionals will the centre train annually? A: The centre will have the capacity to train approximately 6,000 industry professionals each year. Q: What types of aircraft will the simulators support? A: The simulators will support Training for Boeing 737 Max, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Q: Who are the main partners in the project? A: The main partners are WestJet, CAE, Mount Royal University, the Government of Alberta, and Calgary Economic Development. Q: What is the economic impact of the project? A: The project represents an Investments of about $100 million, is expected to create 600 construction jobs, 25 to 50 permanent positions, and generate tens of millions in training revenue annually. Sources Yahoo Finance (CNW Group) CAE Press Release Photo Credit: CAE