CALGARY — On a site due south of the YYC Calgary Airport terminal, partners and funders officially put shovels in the ground today for the next phase of the YYC AeroNex development project. The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace (the Centre) will occupy a purpose-built facility here to train the next generation of pilots and cabin crew.
Calgary Airports will build the Centre, scheduled to open in 2028. It will be designed, developed and operated by CAE and house eight full-flight simulators with capacity for expansion, alongside cabin trainers and state of the art digital training tools for initial and recurrent training on Boeing 737MAX, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft.
WestJet and CAE signed a 15-year training agreement in September 2025 in partnership with Mount Royal University (MRU). The facility will be the first of its kind in Canada to combine state-of-the-art training equipment with collaborative research and development initiatives.
“This facility brings together the best in aviation technology, innovation, education and infrastructure under one roof,” says Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. “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.”
Calgary Airports will invest $40 million in the construction and development of the Centre, which will lease just over half of the 135,000-square-foot facility. The second tenant will be announced later this year.
“What began as a shared vision among industry, academia, and government is now becoming a reality,” says Matthew Bromberg, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
Additional funding for the project has come from the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, which has invested $3.8 million into infrastructure and $6.9 million to the Opportunities Calgary Investment Fund for the Aerospace Workforce Development Grant and the Aerospace Innovation and Training Grant. Development and long-term management of the Centre is expected to create 25 permanent jobs, 189 temporary jobs and 300 contract jobs.
The Centre is the second landmark facility established as part of Calgary Airports’ YYC AeroNex project, a real estate development initiative that supports the growth of the aviation industry in the Calgary region through a thoughtfully planned facility ecosystem. YYC AeroNex launched in 2025 with the announcement of the Lufthansa Technik aircraft engine repair and test cell facility, which broke ground in June 2025.
The project is funded in part by a $172-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and a $21.1-million grant from the Government of Alberta to support infrastructure upgrades.
The CAE facility will anchor Calgary as a strategic hub for aviation workforce development, supporting WestJet’s growing workforce and personnel from other carriers, and will also advance educational opportunities in the region by developing future commercial aviators.
Additional quotes
“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.”
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.”
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.”
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."
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.”
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."
Dr. Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Royal University
About Calgary Airports
Calgary Airports (formally, The Calgary Airport Authority) is a non-share capital corporation incorporated under the Regional Airports Authorities Act of Alberta. It 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. Our 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 2026.
About CAE
At CAE, we exist to make the world safer. We deliver cutting-edge training, simulation, and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defence forces for the moments that matter. Every day, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security personnel to perform at their best and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we're everywhere customers need us to be with sites and training locations in over 40 countries. For nearly 80 years, CAE has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently seeking to set the standard by delivering excellence in high-fidelity flight simulators and training solutions, while embedding sustainability at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing technology and enhancing human performance, we strive to be the trusted partner in advancing safety and mission readiness - today and tomorrow.
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Media Relations
Calgary Airports
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CAE Contacts
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