CALGARY – WestJet (WS) and CAE have signed a 15-year training agreement, which will facilitate growth in the aviation sector.

Under the agreement, CAE will establish the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace in Calgary (YYC). 

According to the CAE, construction is scheduled to begin later this year, followed by training operations and ongoing research and development initiatives. The 126,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2028. It will boast eight full-flight simulators alongside cabin trainers and state-of-the-art digital learning tools. 

WS will be the centre’s primary commercial airline customer and will also be the first to schedule initial and recurrent training for pilots and cabin crew on Boeing 737 MAX, 737 NG, 787 Dreamliner, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400) aircraft. 

“WestJet’s commitment to being the first commercial airline customer at the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence is a testament to our investment in our current and future WestJetters and in Calgary as an aviation hub,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. 

“We’re honoured to take our longstanding partnership with WestJet to new heights and thank them for their continued trust and confidence,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, CAE Division President, Commercial Aviation.

Catalyst for Regional Growth

The facility is expected to generate new jobs in construction, education, and training. It will support both WestJet and CAE’s commitment to safety and operational excellence while driving economic opportunity and global connectivity for travel, trade, and commerce.

The initiative marks CAE’s expansion into Western Canada and anchors YYC as a strategic hub for aviation workforce development. The training environment will indeed support WestJet’s growing workforce, as well as personnel from other carriers, and will also serve the next generation of commercial aviators from Mount Royal University (MRU).

“This 15-year contract is a significant commitment that will ensure our people receive the highest standard of training for years to come, and we’re very pleased to join forces with CAE, a global leader in aviation training and fellow Canadian company, to bring this project to life.” Hoensbroech said.

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.

“The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence marks a major milestone in CAE’s growth in Western Canada and underscores our commitment to being where our customers need us most. This achievement is also a testament to the collaboration and support of our government and industry partners, whose contributions helped bring this vision to life.

We look forward to welcoming pilots and cabin crew to this state-of-the-art facility, proudly supporting these professionals for the moments that matter.” Azar-Hmouda said.