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
Frontier Airlines Wins FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training 2025
Frontier Airlines receives the FAA Diamond Award for 2025, recognizing full participation in advanced safety training for maintenance technicians.
This article is based on an official press release from Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines has been awarded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Diamond Award of Excellence for 2025, the agency’s highest honor for aircraft maintenance and training. The recognition underscores the Denver-based carrier’s commitment to safety and the continuous professional development of its technical operations team.
The Diamond Award is widely regarded in the aviation industry as a benchmark for maintenance quality. It is not granted based on a single inspection or event but rather for a sustained, year-long commitment to education. According to the company’s announcement, the award recognizes both the airline and its Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) for exceeding standard regulatory requirements in safety training.
The FAA Diamond Award of Excellence is rigorous in its eligibility criteria. To qualify, an airline must achieve 100 percent participation from its eligible workforce. Every single eligible maintenance technician must complete a series of additional FAA-developed safety training courses throughout the calendar year. Failure by even a small fraction of the technical workforce to complete the curriculum would disqualify an airline from the Diamond tier.
Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations at Frontier Airlines, emphasized the collective effort required to secure the accolade.
“We are honored to once again receive this recognition from the FAA, shining a spotlight on our incredible AMTs who went above and beyond throughout 2025 to complete valuable safety training courses. Safety is always Frontier’s top priority, and this award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment.”
, Jeff Moore, Vice President of Technical Operations, Frontier Airlines
In its official release, Frontier noted that the award follows a period of significant investment in its training infrastructure. The airline has recently modernized its Technical Operations training program curriculum. These updates include the introduction of new courses and the development of advanced training techniques, such as structured on-the-job experience.
Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training at Frontier, highlighted the operational impact of these educational initiatives. “We are pleased to receive the FAA’s Diamond Award, demonstrating the value of an in-depth education program and a highly motivated, highly talented team.”
, Bill Russo, Director of Technical Operations Training, Frontier Airlines
Russo added that the program ensures AMTs receive world-class training, empowering them to support the carrier’s daily flight operations effectively.
For ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Frontier, earning the FAA Diamond Award serves a dual purpose. Operationally, it ensures that the maintenance workforce is up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and technical systems, which is critical for minimizing mechanical delays. Reputationally, it provides a verified counter-narrative to the common consumer misconception that lower ticket prices might correlate with reduced operational standards. By achieving 100 percent participation in voluntary safety training, Frontier demonstrates that its cost-cutting measures do not extend to its maintenance hangars.
What is the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence? How does an airline qualify for the award? Does this award affect flight safety?
Frontier Airlines Earns FAA Diamond Award for Maintenance Training Excellence
Achieving the Diamond Standard
Modernizing Technical Training
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the Federal Aviation Administration’s most prestigious award for aviation maintenance technicians and employers. It recognizes a commitment to initial and recurrent training that exceeds standard regulatory mandates.
To earn the Diamond Award of Excellence, 100 percent of an organization’s eligible maintenance technicians must complete specialized FAA-developed safety training courses within a calendar year.
While the award specifically honors training rather than operational metrics, a highly trained maintenance workforce is a foundational element of flight safety and fleet reliability.
Sources
Photo Credit: Frontier Airlines
Training & Certification
Republic Airways Opens $200 Million Aviation Campus in Carmel Indiana
Republic Airways launches a $200 million headquarters and training campus in Carmel, Indiana, consolidating operations and enhancing pilot training.
This article summarizes reporting by Fox59.
Republic Airways has officially completed the transition to its new corporate headquarters and training campus in Carmel, Indiana. According to reporting by Fox59, the regional airline has consolidated its operations into a centralized hub located at the intersection of 126th Street and U.S. 31. The move marks the culmination of a $200 million investment designed to streamline operations and bolster the airline’s pilot training capabilities.
The new facility, situated within the Meridian Corporate Corridor, brings together the airline’s corporate leadership and its training subsidiary, LIFT Academy. By merging these functions, Republic Airways aims to create a seamless environment for workforce development, addressing critical industry challenges such as the ongoing global pilot shortage. The campus is now fully occupied as of February 2026, serving as the daily workplace for approximately 2,000 employees and trainees.
The development repurposes the former Hamilton Crossing retail center into a high-density, mixed-use aviation ecosystem. According to project details cited in reports, the campus features two primary structures and significant support infrastructure:
Matt Koscal, an executive at Republic Airways, emphasized the strategic intent behind the facility in a statement regarding the project’s vision:
“This project ensures Republic is positioned to attract and retain the most talented and trained professionals in aviation by creating a space designed specifically to meet the needs of our associates.”
A central driver of this relocation is the integration of the LIFT Academy, Republic’s proprietary flight school. By locating the training center adjacent to corporate headquarters, the airline has established a direct “classroom-to-cockpit” pathway. This physical proximity allows for daily interaction between student pilots and airline leadership, fostering a unified corporate culture.
The facility utilizes advanced flight simulation technology to prepare pilots for complex scenarios. This modernization effort aligns with the airline’s broader goal of reducing the time and cost associated with training new pilots, a necessary step to maintain fleet operations for partners such as American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express.
The Vertical Integration of Regional Aviation The project has been described as a significant revitalization effort for the City of Carmel. Local officials have noted that the campus transforms an aging retail site into a vibrant corporate anchor. The influx of daily trainees functions similarly to a permanent convention, driving consistent business to local restaurants and services. Former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, who was instrumental during the project’s announcement phase, highlighted the scale of the development:
“What an opportunity, to be able to build a brand new city… It will be Carmel’s largest employer.”
The development was supported by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bonds, a mechanism where future property tax revenues generated by the site are used to fund necessary infrastructure improvements, such as the parking garage and street updates.
Where is the new Republic Airways headquarters located? What is the total cost of the project? How many employees work at the new campus? What airlines does Republic Airways operate for? Sources: Fox59
Republic Airways Unveils $200 Million Aviation Campus in Carmel
Campus Specifications and Infrastructure
Strategic Focus: The LIFT Academy Integration
AirPro News Analysis
The completion of Republic’s Carmel campus highlights a shifting strategy among U.S. regional airlines: vertical integration of the talent pipeline. Historically, regional carriers relied on third-party flight schools to supply pilots. However, as major carriers aggressively recruit from regional ranks, the “pilot churn” has accelerated. By building a $200 million physical asset dedicated to training, Republic Airways is attempting to insulate itself from market volatility. This campus is not just an office; it is a defensive moat designed to control the quality and volume of incoming flight crews in an era of scarcity.
Economic Impact on the Meridian Corridor
Frequently Asked Questions
The campus is located at 126th Street and U.S. 31 in Carmel, Indiana, within the Meridian Corporate Corridor.
The total investment for the aviation campus is approximately $200 million.
The site hosts approximately 2,000 employees, including corporate staff, technicians, and a rotating roster of trainees.
Republic Airways operates flights under the brands American Eagle (American Airlines), Delta Connection (Delta Air Lines), and United Express (United Airlines).
Photo Credit: Fox59
Training & Certification
CAE Launches Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator in Singapore
CAE introduces the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator in Asia-Pacific at its Singapore training centre, ready by Fall 2026 for pilot training.
CAE has officially announced the deployment of the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator (FFS) in the Asia-Pacific region. According to a company press release, the advanced training device will be installed at the Singapore-CAE Flight Training (SCFT) Centre, a joint venture facility operated in partnership with Singapore Airlines near Changi Airport.
The new simulator, a CAE 7000XR Series model, represents a critical infrastructure milestone for Asian carriers preparing for the entry-into-service of Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft. CAE confirmed that the simulator is currently being installed and is scheduled to be ready for pilot Training by Fall 2026, pending regulatory qualification.
The placement of this simulator in Singapore addresses a significant logistical gap for Airlines in the region. Previously, operators preparing for the 777X would likely have needed to send flight crews to facilities in Europe or North America. By establishing a training footprint in Singapore, CAE aims to support the substantial order book for the 777X held by Asia-Pacific carriers.
Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President for Civil Aviation, highlighted the strategic importance of the location in the company’s announcement:
“We are bringing the training capacity to where it is needed most, at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific aviation.”
, Alexandre Prévost, CAE Division President (Civil Aviation)
The SCFT Centre, established in 2018 as a 50/50 joint venture between CAE and Singapore Airlines, already houses simulators for the Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777, and 787. The addition of the 777X device solidifies the facility’s status as a comprehensive Boeing training hub for the region.
According to technical details released by CAE, the new simulator will feature the CAE Prodigy™ Image Generator. This visual system leverages gaming-engine technology,specifically Epic Games’ Unreal Engine,to deliver high-fidelity, photorealistic training environments. Unlike previous generations of visual systems, the Prodigy generator is designed to render realistic 3D environments with high-density graphics. This includes dynamic lighting, realistic shadows, and “lifeforms” such as moving traffic and people on the ground. These enhancements are intended to improve pilot readiness by simulating complex weather and ground scenarios with greater accuracy.
The Fall 2026 operational target for this simulator aligns closely with the revised Delivery schedules for the Boeing 777X (777-9). While the aircraft program has faced multiple delays, the installation of training infrastructure suggests that the supply chain is preparing for a concrete entry-into-service window.
For airlines, the availability of a “Level D” simulator,the highest standard of flight simulation,prior to aircraft delivery is essential. It allows carriers to certify pilots and “pre-load” their workforce capabilities so that commercial operations can commence immediately once the physical aircraft are handed over. The presence of this device in Singapore is particularly vital for Singapore Airlines, which serves as the anchor tenant of the SCFT facility.
The Asia-Pacific region represents a massive market for the Boeing 777X. According to industry fleet data, several major carriers in the region have significant outstanding Orders for the type. By locating the simulator in Singapore, CAE is positioning itself to service not just Singapore Airlines, but also other key operators in East and Southeast Asia.
Key regional customers with 777X orders include:
While Lufthansa, the global launch customer, already has access to a CAE 777X simulator in Germany, and Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways maintain their own extensive training pipelines, the Singapore device fills the geographic void for the Far East market.
CAE Deploys Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator to Singapore Training Hub
Strategic Infrastructure for Asian Carriers
Next-Generation Visual Technology
AirPro News Analysis: The Timing of Training
Regional Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: CAE
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