CAE, WestJet sign contract for Calgary training centre

Executive Summary

• WestJet and CAE Inc. have signed a 15-year agreement for CAE to establish the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace in Calgary.
• The facility, slated to open in 2028, will be a 126,000-square-foot center featuring eight full-flight simulators, cabin trainers, and digital learning tools.
• WestJet will be the primary commercial airline customer, utilizing the center for initial and recurrent training for pilots and cabin crew on Boeing 737MAX, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft.

Key Details

• Agreement Term: 15-year training agreement.
• Facility Specifications: 126,000-square-foot facility in Calgary; capacity for expansion; includes eight full-flight simulators, cabin trainers, and state-of-the-art digital learning tools.
• Opening Date: Slated to open in 2028; construction begins later this year.
• Aircraft Coverage: Training for Boeing 737MAX, 737NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft.
• Academic Partnership: Collaboration with Mount Royal University (MRU) to combine training equipment with collaborative research and development; MRU will lead academic research and student mentorship.
• Workforce Development: Includes an Airline Transition Program (ATP) for MRU aviation students, combining specialty training with allocated simulator time.
• Government Support: Builds on a 2022 MOU between WestJet and the Government of Alberta; supported by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) and the City of Calgary.
• Economic Impact: Expected to generate new jobs in construction, education, and training; aims to anchor Calgary as a strategic hub for aviation workforce development.

Notable Quotes

• Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet Group: "WestJet's commitment to being the first commercial airline customer at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is testament to our investment in our current and future WestJetters and in Calgary as an aviation hub... This 15-year contract is a significant commitment that will ensure our people receive the highest standard of training for years to come."
• Matthew Bromberg, CAE President and CEO: "Today marks a proud moment for CAE and for Canadian aviation... The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence represents what's possible when industry, academia and government come together with a shared vision for innovation, safety and work force development."
• Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta: "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."