High-tech engine facility breaks ground at Calgary International Airport

A state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility has broken ground near the Calgary airport but could have one major hurdle to clear before it can open.

A major investment in Alberta’s aviation sector is breaking ground in Calgary Wednesday, setting the stage for new jobs and a boost to the province’s growing aviation industry.

On Wednesday, construction is expected to begin on Lufthansa Technik’s state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility at Calgary International Airport.

The project marks a significant milestone for Calgary’s aviation industry, helping position the city as a growing hub for aerospace services.

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The 150,000-square-foot engine maintenance facility is being built in partnership with WestJet and will service engines for their Boeing 737 fleet.

It will also be Canada’s first engine test cell for a new range of aircraft engines.

“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 of commercial 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.”

Once complete, the multi-million-dollar project will employ approximately 160 staff members.

Shortage of workers

The maintenance facility’s construction comes at a time when the country is facing a serious shortage of aviation workers.

According to the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace, Canada could be short between 42,000 and 55,000 aviation workers by 2035.

The Alberta Aviation and Aerospace Council has just launched a major workforce development program to help address this issue.

The province invested $1.5 million in the initiative, which provides youth with industry internships in the hopes of inspiring them to pursue careers in the aviation sector.

Lufthansa Technik says it has a plan to tackle this problem, adding that a robust recruitment effort and has already filled 30 roles at the new facility.

“Tremendous application numbers show that the fascination for aviation and specifically aircraft maintenance and repair remain strong in Western Canada,” said 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.”

The company will also operate a dedicated training centre in Calgary that will include four bays to support technical training and live training exercises.

A partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, formalized in March, will also develop aviation training programs to help provide skilled workers.