Lufthansa Technik and Calgary Airports today celebrated the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility at YYC Calgary Airport. Representing an investment of 120-million Canadian dollars in Western Canada’s aerospace sector, the planned engine repair shop and integrated test cell are set to establish a new benchmark in aircraft engine maintenance and repair.
Over the next two years, a 150,000-square-foot (about 14,000-square-meter) engine repair shop will be developed in cooperation with Calgary Airports for Lufthansa Technik Canada, a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik. Tailored to serve a broad range of North American carriers, the facility will focus on near-wing and quick-turn services for CFM International* LEAP-1B engines, powering the growing Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The site will also feature Canada’s first engine test cell for latest-generation aircraft engines, setting a new standard for aviation maintenance in the country. With ample natural daylight and modern equipment, it promises to provide an attractive working environment. A minimum of 160 permanent jobs will be created directly at Lufthansa Technik Canada by 2030, with an additional 170 temporary jobs during the construction phase. The engine repair station and test cell are scheduled to be operational by 2027.
“The increasing number of new aircraft leads to a growing demand for maintenance capacities for their engines. At our future maintenance facility in Calgary, we can provide much needed services for next generation engines to a wide range of North American airline customers,” said Georg Fanta, Vice President Commercials Engine Services at Lufthansa Technik. “It represents a strategic step forward in Lufthansa Technik’s ambitious growth plan and reaffirms our long-term commitment to innovation, performance and people in the Americas region.”
Lufthansa Technik Canada has been collaborating closely with Calgary Airports to specify the design and logistics of the complex. The airport authority oversees the financing, planning, construction and deployment phases of the facility as a key component of YYC AeroNex, a hub of world-class aviation support and training services developed at Calgary Airport and focused on a long-term strategy to build the aviation industry in Calgary. A long-term lease agreement has been signed with Lufthansa Technik Canada.
“This engine repair station and test cell will boost regional economic development and reinforce Calgary’s role as a gateway for aviation innovation and excellence. It will provide airlines access to world-class facilities to ensure reliable, efficient and lower-cost maintenance services,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. “The construction of a new engine test cell is a rare event globally, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community and the aviation industry in Alberta.”
Growing Western Canada’s aviation hub: Rising demand for skilled workforce
Recruitment efforts have been underway to ensure the best talent is in place for when the facility opens. Since announcing the project in February, Lufthansa Technik Canada has hired 30 colleagues, filling initial roles such as Aircraft Engine Production Planner, Production Support Engineer and Project Manager. The company plans to recruit at least 50 more employees by year’s end and is actively seeking candidates for positions including Engine Mechanics and Technical Trainers.
“Tremendous application numbers show that the fascination for aviation and specifically aircraft maintenance and repair remain strong in Western Canada,” stated Max Schramm, President and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Canada. “This facility represents not just a multi-million-dollar investment in infrastructure but also in the people and future of aviation in the region. Together with our local partners we aim to strengthen and grow Calgary’s aerospace ecosystem.”
To further prepare for operations, Lufthansa Technik Canada will soon open a dedicated training center in Calgary, featuring four bays to support technician education and live training events. Additional collaboration with industry partners and Western Canadian educational institutions aims to ensure a pipeline of skilled talent to meet the rising demand for aviation professionals in Alberta. This includes a partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), formalized in March through a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop aviation training programs.
The project is underpinned by strong collaboration with key local and regional stakeholders. Lufthansa Technik Canada receives funding from the Government of Alberta through the Investment and Growth Fund (IGF) and the Aerospace Workforce Development Grant, along with support from Calgary Economic Development through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). Calgary Airports’ facility development is backed by the Canada Infrastructure Bank as part of a comprehensive financing package for aviation infrastructure, as well as Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) through its Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program. WestJet has committed to being the first customer of the new facility.
To view the photo library for the event, visit the Lufthansa Technik Media Center
Additional quotes
“Canada is the place to invest in aerospace,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This new engine maintenance facility will not only create high-paying, skilled jobs in Calgary but will also fuel our economy and strengthen our competitive edge on the world stage.”
“Canada is accelerating its ascent as a global leader in aviation innovation, and today’s groundbreaking is further proof of Alberta’s rock-solid foothold in the industry. This collaboration involving all orders of government, the Calgary Airport Authority, and Lufthansa Technik reflects our shared commitment to advancing a regional vision for a western aviation hub and building on western Canada’s considerable strengths in engine testing and aviation technologies.” – Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
“Today’s groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art aircraft engine maintenance and test facility right here in Calgary is a testament to our city’s leadership and expertise in the aviation industry. I’m proud that our government is part of this major initiative to create quality jobs in our community, reduce emissions, and enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s airline sector – including the many small- and medium-sized businesses that make up the aviation supply chain.” – Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Alberta continues to be a place where large companies and organizations want to invest and do business. Our government is pleased to welcome Lufthansa Technik’s $120 million aircraft engine maintenance facility as it will diversify the economy and create high-paying jobs for more Albertans. Investment attraction remains one of our government’s top priorities, ensuring Alberta always remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” – Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
“Today marks a significant milestone for our partners, the Calgary Airport Authority and Lufthansa Technik Canada as they break ground on a world-class engine maintenance facility at Calgary International Airport. We are proud to be a key financing partner of a project that exemplifies the power of collaboration between industry and government to strengthen Canada’s aerospace infrastructure.” – Ehren Cory, CEO of Canada Infrastructure Bank
“Having Lufthansa Technik’s Canadian hub established in Calgary, showcases how our city is positioned to drive innovation for the global aerospace sector. With the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) strategically finding, fueling and fostering innovation, we’re committed to building a more resilient economy that creates opportunities for Calgarians in a sector that is poised for significant growth.” – Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
“Today’s groundbreaking event serves as a significant milestone in Calgary’s aviation industry. WestJet proudly partnered with Lufthansa Technik on a multi-billion-dollar agreement to bring world-class aircraft engine maintenance services to Calgary. As Canada’s largest Boeing 737 MAX operator, a facility of this kind at our global hub will provide greater efficiency and cost certainty to a critical part of our operations, while strengthening Western Canada’s aerospace hub and contributing to significant economic growth in Canada.” – Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet
About Lufthansa Technik
The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 22,000 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.
* Lufthansa Technik is an authorized LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B Service Provider licensed by CFM International.
* CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
* CFM LEAP Premier MRO shops are part of an open MRO ecosystem in which CFM, Premier MRO providers, and third-party shops compete for MRO work. Premier MRO licensees retain the highest level of training and support from CFM, as well as increased access to proprietary overhaul and repair technology. Because the open MRO ecosystem fosters competition, it allows operators to optimize costs, secure induction slots and turnaround times to meet their schedule work scope needs and supports higher engine residual value as seen with CFM56 engines today.
About Calgary Airports
Calgary Airports (formerly the Calgary Airport Authority) is a non-share capital corporation incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. Calgary Airports is responsible for the management, operation and development of YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport. Calgary Airports’ commitment to safety remains a top priority. The airports are important economic generators for the city, region and province, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in GDP through associated economic activity. Calgary Airports was also recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2025.
Development of YYC AeroNex will position Calgary and the region as a strategic centre for development, training, and innovation in aviation and its ancillary services, strengthening its position as a central node within global air transport connectivity. It is expected to draw skilled professionals to the region, enhance training and educational opportunities in engineering, design, technology, and aviation trades, and create a sustainable network of high-value jobs.