Training & Certification
New 22 Million Aerospace Campus Announced at Kelowna Airport
Okanagan College and BPL Legacy Association announce $22M aerospace campus at Kelowna Airport to expand training capacity by 2028.
We are observing a significant development in British Columbia’s aerospace sector with the announcement of a new training facility at Kelowna International Airport (YLW). On November 20, 2025, Okanagan College and the BPL Legacy Association confirmed plans to construct a purpose-built aerospace campus. This project represents a total estimated investment of $22 million and aims to centralize and expand aviation training in the region.
The initiative is a collaborative effort driven by a substantial financial commitment from the BPL Legacy Association, led by Barry Lapointe, the founder of KF Aerospace. The proposed 42,000-square-foot facility will be situated directly adjacent to the existing KF Centre for Excellence. This location is strategic, placing students within the operational hub of the 10th busiest airport in Canada, thereby fostering a closer connection between academic instruction and real-world industry application.
The primary objective of this expansion is to address the critical labor shortages currently affecting the aviation industry. By replacing smaller, decentralized training sites in Vernon and Kelowna, the new campus is projected to increase Okanagan College’s student intake capacity from 30 to 140 students annually by 2028. This increase represents a vital step toward sustaining the workforce requirements of the Okanagan aerospace cluster and the broader provincial sector.
The financial structure of this project relies heavily on private philanthropy. The BPL Legacy Association has committed a confirmed donation of $17 million toward the $22 million budget. This contribution underscores the private sector’s vested interest in securing a reliable pipeline of skilled technicians. To cover the remaining costs, Okanagan College is currently seeking approximately $5 million from various sources, including provincial and federal government bodies as well as community partners.
Construction schedules have been outlined with a start date targeted for the spring of 2026. If the project adheres to this timeline, the facility is expected to be completed by September 2027. Following the construction phase, the campus aims to reach full student capacity by 2028. Until the new site is operational, training will continue at the college’s existing facilities to ensure no disruption to current academic cohorts.
The design of the campus is intended to complement the KF Centre for Excellence, a museum and conference center that opened in 2022. By expanding this footprint, the partners aim to create a cohesive educational and industrial precinct at YLW. This proximity allows for potential synergies between the college’s curriculum and the operational needs of major employers like KF Aerospace, which currently employs over 1,000 staff in the Okanagan.
“Aviation has always been my passion. My goal has always been to inspire and prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals right here in the Okanagan. By expanding training opportunities through Okanagan College, we’re investing in people, our community, and Canada’s future in flight.”, Barry Lapointe, Founder & Chair, BPL Legacy Association.
The new facility will house three distinct programs designed to meet Transport Canada licensing standards. The consolidation of these programs into a single, modern campus allows for shared resources and upgraded training equipment. The first major program is the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Structures (AME-S) certificate. Spanning 37 weeks, this course focuses on sheet metal, composites, and structural repairs, granting graduates credit toward the Transport Canada AME “S” license.
In addition to structural training, the campus will offer the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Maintenance (AME-M) diploma. This 74-week program covers mechanical systems, engines, airframes, and propellers. Like the structures program, it provides graduates with credits toward the Transport Canada AME “M” license. These certifications are essential for technicians working on commercial and private aircraft, ensuring they meet strict federal safety standards. The third pillar of the curriculum is the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program, which operates as a partnership with Northern Lights College (NLC). Under this model, students complete their first three semesters (55 weeks) at the Okanagan College campus before transferring to NLC in Dawson Creek for their final 18-week semester. This collaborative approach leverages the strengths of both institutions to provide comprehensive training across different regions of British Columbia.
The construction of this campus comes at a time when the aerospace sector is facing a severe shortage of skilled labor. The British Columbia aerospace sector generates approximately $2.4 billion in annual revenue and comprises over 200 companies. Notably, the Okanagan region is home to 18% of these companies, forming a significant industry cluster that relies heavily on a steady influx of qualified personnel.
KF Aerospace, as Canada’s largest commercial maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organization, has highlighted the difficulty in finding enough qualified staff to meet service demands. The expansion of training capacity at YLW is a direct response to this economic bottleneck. By quadrupling the number of available student seats, the region aims to secure its position as a hub for aerospace innovation and maintenance.
Dr. Neil Fassina, President of Okanagan College, emphasized the importance of industry-aligned education. He noted that the partnership with the KF Centre for Excellence provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that are difficult to replicate in traditional classroom settings. This alignment ensures that graduates enter the workforce with skills that are immediately applicable to the needs of local employers.
The announcement of the $22 million aerospace campus at Kelowna International Airport marks a pivotal moment for vocational training in British Columbia. Through the collaboration of Okanagan College and the BPL Legacy Association, the region is set to gain a state-of-the-art facility capable of training 140 students annually. This project not only addresses immediate labor shortages but also strengthens the long-term economic stability of the local aerospace sector.
As the project moves toward its construction phase in 2026, the focus will shift to securing the remaining funding and preparing for the intake of expanded student cohorts. The successful completion of this campus will likely serve as a model for how private-public partnerships can effectively bridge the gap between educational output and industrial demand.
Question: When will the new aerospace campus open? Question: How is the project being funded? Question: What programs will be offered at the new facility?
New $22 Million Aerospace Campus Announced for Kelowna International Airport
Project Funding and Construction Timeline
Expanded Educational Programs and Training
Economic Impact and Industry Context
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026, with completion expected by September 2027. The campus is projected to reach full capacity by 2028.
Answer: The project has a total budget of $22 million. The BPL Legacy Association has donated $17 million, and Okanagan College is currently seeking the remaining $5 million from government and community partners.
Answer: The campus will offer training for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Structures (AME-S), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Maintenance (AME-M), and an Aircraft Maintenance Technician partnership program with Northern Lights College.
Sources
Photo Credit: KF Aerospace – Okanagan College
Training & Certification
Tecnam P2008JC NG Launches with Fuel-Injected Engine and EASA Certification
Tecnam introduces the P2008JC NG featuring a fuel-injected Rotax engine, EASA CS-23 certification, 30% lower emissions, and advanced Garmin avionics for flight training.
This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam.
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has officially announced the launch of the P2008JC NG (Next Generation), a significant upgrade to one of its most popular single-engine trainers. According to the company’s announcement, the new model integrates the fuel-injected Rotax 912 iSc engine and has been certified to the latest EASA CS-23 airworthiness standards. The launch targets Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) looking to modernize fleets with aircraft that offer higher fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The P2008JC NG represents a strategic move by Tecnam to solidify its position in the global flight training market. By replacing legacy carbureted engines with modern fuel injection technology, the manufacturer aims to lower operating costs for flight schools while simplifying engine management for student pilots.
The core of the “NG” evolution is the adoption of the Rotax 912 iSc Sport engine. In its press materials, Tecnam highlights that this 100-horsepower powerplant replaces traditional carburetors with a redundant electronic fuel injection system. This change eliminates the risk of carburetor icing, a common safety concern in general aviation, and removes the need for manual mixture or choke adjustments during flight operations.
According to technical specifications released by the manufacturer, the new engine configuration delivers substantial efficiency gains:
Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s Managing Director, emphasized the balance of efficiency and utility in the company’s official statement:
“The P2008JC NG represents a significant leap in training safety. By certifying to the latest CS-23 Amendment 6 standards, we have enhanced the aircraft’s safety characteristics specifically at very low speeds, the typical mission profile for ab-initio training. We needed an aircraft that works hard, consumes little, and inspires confidence.”
The P2008JC NG is certified under EASA CS-23 Amendment 6. This certification standard is rigorous, placing the aircraft in a high safety tier for General Aviation. Tecnam notes that this certification ensures enhanced handling characteristics, particularly in the low-speed regimes where student pilots spend much of their training time practicing stalls and landings.
The aircraft retains Tecnam’s signature hybrid construction approach. The fuselage is constructed from carbon fiber, allowing for a wider cabin and aerodynamic sleekness that is difficult to achieve with sheet metal. However, the wings and stabilator are built from metal. This design choice is intentional for the training market; metal wings are generally easier and cheaper to repair if they suffer “hangar rash” or minor damage in a busy flight school environment.
To prepare students for modern commercial cockpits, the P2008JC NG comes equipped with a glass cockpit as standard. The avionics suite features the Garmin G3X Touch, which provides situational awareness tools and flight data presentation similar to what pilots will encounter in airline operations. The interior has also been redesigned with ergonomics in mind. Updates include a new central console, improved window design for better visibility, and 3-point safety belts with inertial reels. An autopilot system is available as an option, allowing schools to conduct more advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedural training on a VFR-capable platform.
The introduction of the P2008JC NG highlights a broader trend in the flight training industry: the shift away from 1970s-era designs toward modern, efficient platforms. While legacy aircraft like the Cessna 152 and 172 remain workhorses, their fuel burn and maintenance requirements are significantly higher than modern Rotax-powered alternatives.
For a flight school, the difference between burning 8–10 gallons per hour in a legacy trainer versus 3.7 gallons in the P2008JC NG represents a massive reduction in direct operating costs. Furthermore, as European regulators and airports place increasing pressure on noise and emissions, the “green” credentials of the NG model, specifically the 30% CO2 reduction cited by Tecnam, may become a critical selling point for academies operating in environmentally sensitive regions.
However, the challenge for modern composite or hybrid aircraft remains long-term durability. Metal legacy fleets have proven they can survive 40+ years of student abuse. It remains to be seen if the hybrid carbon-metal construction of the P2008JC NG can match that longevity, though the metal wings are a strategic concession to that reality.
Tecnam Unveils P2008JC NG: A Fuel-Injected Evolution for Flight Training
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
Safety and Certification Standards
Hybrid Airframe Design
Avionics and Interior
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Tecnam
Training & Certification
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Gains EASA and UK CAA Certification for Europe
Cirrus Aircraft’s SR Series G7+ receives EASA and UK CAA type certification, introducing Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland to European piston aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Cirrus Aircraft.
Cirrus Aircraft has officially received type certification from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its SR Series G7+ aircraft. Announced on December 9, 2025, this regulatory milestone clears the way for immediate deliveries of the manufacturer’s latest single-engine piston models, the SR20, SR22, and SR22T, to customers across Europe and the United Kingdom.
The certification marks a significant technological shift for the European general Commercial-Aircraft market. The “G7+” designation distinguishes this model from the standard G7 introduced earlier in 2024. While the G7 focused on a flight deck redesign, the G7+ introduces the Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland system as standard equipment. According to the company’s announcement, this makes the SR Series G7+ the first single-engine piston aircraft in the European market to feature a certified autonomous landing system capable of taking control during pilot incapacitation.
The primary differentiator for the newly certified G7+ is the integration of the Safe Return™ system, powered by Garmin Autoland technology. Previously available only on the jet-powered Vision Jet, this technology has now been standardized for the piston fleet. In the event of an emergency, such as pilot hypoxia or a cardiac event, a passenger can activate the system via a button on the cabin ceiling.
Once engaged, the system performs a complex sequence of autonomous actions without human intervention:
In addition to the Autoland capability, the G7+ certification includes other automated enhancements designed to reduce pilot workload. These include “Smart Pitot Heat,” which automatically engages based on outside air temperature to prevent icing, and Cirrus IQ™ Pro, a connectivity suite that facilitates real-time health monitoring and automatic database updates.
“We are pleased to receive EASA and UK CAA approval for the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland… European owners enjoy premium innovation, safety and quality with the SR Series G7+.”
, Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft
The dual certification from EASA and the UK CAA is a critical component of Cirrus Aircraft’s growth Strategy in the region. According to data referenced in reports by Flight Global, Europe currently represents the company’s second-largest market, accounting for approximately 11% of global deliveries. Cirrus has stated a strategic objective to increase this market share to between 20% and 30%.
By securing approval for the G7+, Cirrus aims to leverage the region’s focus on safety features. The complex airspace and variable weather conditions in Europe often drive buyers toward aircraft with advanced Avionics and redundancy. The immediate availability of the G7+ allows Cirrus to fulfill existing Orders and target new buyers looking for the specific safety net provided by the Autoland system. The certification of the G7+ establishes a significant competitive advantage for Cirrus in the high-performance piston sector. While competitors like Diamond Aircraft (based in Austria) and Piper Aircraft (USA) offer strong alternatives in the single-engine piston category, Cirrus is currently the only Manufacturers offering a certified autonomous landing system in this class within the European market.
We observe that this move effectively blurs the line between high-end piston aircraft and entry-level turbines. By migrating “Vision Jet” technology down to the SR Series, Cirrus is likely attempting to upsell owner-pilots who might otherwise consider moving to a competitor’s turboprop for perceived safety gains. Furthermore, achieving simultaneous certification from both EASA and the UK CAA demonstrates a successful navigation of the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, ensuring that the G7+ faces no friction in accessing the continent’s two most vital general aviation jurisdictions.
The rollout of the G7 platform has been rapid. The initial SR Series G7, featuring the new touchscreen flight deck and improved ergonomics, was launched in January 2024. The “Plus” variant, adding the Autoland capability, was introduced to the US market in May 2025. With the December 2025 certification, the European market has now caught up to the North American standard, unifying the product line globally.
Deliveries to European and UK customers are expected to commence immediately.
Cirrus SR Series G7+ Secures EASA and UK CAA Certification, Bringing Autonomous Landing to Europe
The “Plus” Distinction: Safety and Autonomy
Strategic Expansion in the European Market
AirPro News Analysis: A Competitive Moat
Timeline of the G7 Evolution
Sources
Photo Credit: Cirrus
Training & Certification
Diamond Aircraft Restarts European DA20i Production with First Delivery
Diamond Aircraft resumes European production of the DA20i Katana at its Austria facility, delivering the first unit to Aviation Academy Austria.
Diamond Aircraft has officially restarted European production of its two-seat DA20 trainer after a hiatus of more than a decade. In a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, the manufacturer delivered the first newly built DA20i Katana to its launch customer, Aviation Academy Austria (AAA).
The delivery, which took place on November 28, 2025, marks a strategic shift for Diamond Aircraft. For the past 13 years, the DA20 was manufactured exclusively in London, Ontario, primarily for the North American market. By bringing production back to Austria, the company aims to address the surging demand for flight training across Europe while mitigating the logistical costs and tariffs associated with importing aircraft from Canada.
The resumption of the DA20 line in Europe is a direct response to the region’s growing need for modern, cost-effective training fleets. According to Diamond Aircraft, the decision to produce the aircraft locally allows for faster delivery times to European flight schools and offers a configuration specifically tailored to the local market.
Aviation Academy Austria, located directly adjacent to the Diamond factory at Wiener Neustadt airfield, was the natural launch customer. The academy ordered two DA20i aircraft; the first was handed over during the ceremony, with the second scheduled for delivery in early 2026. AAA already operates a mixed fleet of Diamond aircraft, including older DA20s, DA40 NGs, and DA42 NG-VI twins.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Oliver Karall, CEO of Aviation Academy Austria, highlighted the importance of modernizing training equipment:
“We are thrilled to welcome the new DA20i Katana into our fleet… [it] allows our students to experience the very best in modern flight training. This aircraft perfectly aligns with our mission to provide state-of-the-art training solutions.”
While the North American DA20-C1 has remained a staple in flight schools, the new European DA20i Katana introduces significant technical updates designed for European operating environments. The most notable difference lies in the powerplant and avionics suite.
The European model is powered by the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine (100 hp), replacing the Continental IO-240-B32B (125 hp) found in the Canadian variant. According to technical specifications released by Diamond, this switch results in substantial fuel savings:
To prepare students for modern airline cockpits, the DA20i is equipped with a Garmin G500TXi glass cockpit. This upgrade replaces legacy analog instruments, allowing ab-initio students to train on digital interfaces from their very first flight hours.
Jane Wang, Sales Director for Diamond Aircraft Austria, emphasized the blend of heritage and modernity in the new model: “Relaunching production of the DA20i Katana, and now delivering the first unit in Europe, marks another exciting chapter for Diamond Aircraft… The DA20i blends tradition with innovation.”
The relaunch comes at a critical time for the aviation industry. Citing data from CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, industry reports indicate a need for 64,000 new pilots in Europe over the next decade. Flight schools are expanding their fleets to meet this intake, driving demand for efficient primary trainers.
The market has already responded to the availability of the European-built model. Shortly after the announcement involving AAA, AELO Swiss Academy signed a deal for 12 DA20i aircraft with options for six more. Based in Locarno, Switzerland, AELO cited the aircraft’s environmental credentials and operating efficiency as key drivers for their fleet standardization.
The return of the DA20 to European production lines is more than a nostalgic nod to the company’s history; it is a calculated economic maneuver. European flight schools face significantly higher fuel costs and stricter noise abatement regulations than their North American counterparts. By offering a Rotax-powered variant produced locally, Diamond eliminates the trans-Atlantic shipping costs and import tariffs that made the Canadian DA20-C1 less competitive in Europe.
Furthermore, the shift to the Garmin G500TXi in a primary trainer reflects a broader industry trend. Airlines increasingly prefer cadets who are “glass-cockpit native,” reducing the training gap when students transition to complex turbine aircraft. The DA20i appears positioned to serve as a bridge between cost-effective ab-initio training and professional airline preparation.
Diamond Aircraft Resumes European Production with First DA20i Delivery
A Milestone for European Flight Training
Technical Evolution: The DA20i Katana
Engine and Efficiency
Modern Avionics
Market Context and Future Orders
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Diamond Aircraft
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