Soaring High: SAIT Teams Up with Lufthansa to Boost Calgary’s Aviation Scene
Big news for Calgary's soaring aviation scene! SAIT and Lufthansa Technik Canada just inked a Memorandum of Understanding on March 26, 2025, setting the stage for a game-changing partnership to develop new aviation training. This isn't just about new courses; it's about turbocharging Alberta's aviation industry and firmly planting Calgary on the global aerospace map.
Lufthansa Technik Canada is building a massive 150,000 square-foot engine repair station right here in Calgary. This C$120 million investment, with groundbreaking on June 25, 2025, and interim operations kicking off in July 2025, will house Canada's first engine test cell for latest-generation aircraft engines, primarily servicing Boeing 737 MAX fleets. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to create at least 160 permanent jobs by 2030, alongside 170 temporary construction roles, adding significant economic muscle to a city already boasting Canada's fourth busiest airport, YYC, which welcomed a record 18.9 million passengers in 2024.
This collaboration addresses a critical demand for skilled trades in Alberta, where the aerospace sector faces potential shortages of up to 55,000 workers by 2035. The partnership carves out exciting new career paths, with a Gas Turbine Technician certificate program launching in May 2026. In a move that truly fuels the future, Lufthansa Technik Canada will sponsor at least 10 students per cohort, covering tuition and materials, offering a paid salary during training, and guaranteeing a job upon completion.
With significant investments like this, plus ongoing projects such as WestJet's new training facility, Calgary is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a leading hub for aviation innovation and workforce development. Get ready, Calgary – our skyline, and our talent pool, are about to reach new heights!
