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Billions flow into Calgary’s aviation industry

Calgary’s aerospace and aviation industry is — pardon the pun — taking off.

On Thursday, WestJet and Lufthansa Technik announced a multi-billion-dollar exclusive agreement which will see the European-headquartered company provide maintenance services for the engines that power WestJet’s Boeing 737 fleet. The 15-year contract is the largest in WestJet’s 30-year history.

“WestJet was founded on the idea of improving air travel and making it affordable for Canadians,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet Group. “This historic contract award will allow us to bring critical engine repair operations home to Canada, and provide greater efficiency and cost certainty to a critical part of our operations, all while demonstrating our commitment to improving our competitiveness and supporting the Alberta economy.”

Lufthansa Technik will also establish a new repair station in Calgary dedicated to servicing the engines for near-wing and quick-turn work. The facility will feature a modern test cell — the first of its kind in Canada — for next-generation engines, and drive job creation in the region. Operations are set to begin in 2027.

The Calgary Airport Authority has signed a long-term lease agreement with Lufthansa Technik for the engine maintenance and test cell facility that will serve, amongst others, WestJet as a cornerstone customer. The $120-million investment has been secured with the support of the Government of Alberta, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, in collaboration with Calgary Economic Development.

In other aviation news, Telus announced a partnership with the Calgary Airport Authority that will see YYC become Canada's first airport to boast a high-performance 5G private wireless network.

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