MRU celebrating Springbank Aviation Campus grand opening

Mount Royal University's new Springbank Aviation Campus, officially opened Oct. 3, is set for takeoff thanks to partnerships between government, private philanthropy, the aviation industry, and the dedicated community of students, faculty, and staff, working together to shape the future of aviation education and meet industry demand.

The campus, located at the Springbank Airport west of Calgary, features simulators including a virtual reality simulator, a crosswind simulator, a multi-screen general purpose simulator and more to come; a classroom for large student groups equipped with Smart multimedia technology; nine briefing rooms equipped with multimedia technology; multiple aircraft hangars, with room/plans for two additional Cessna 172 and a Piper Seneca expected in the near future; a kitchen for students and staff; staff lounge; mountain-view boardroom/offices; air-sealed paint room for aircraft painting and maintenance; foam fire suppression safety system in both hangars; and brand-new fuel tank for aircraft fueling.

Made possible by significant investments from the Government of Alberta ($7.1 million), Prairies Economic Development Canada ($3 million), and the generous support of benefactor Ken Lett ($1.5 million), the facility represents a crucial commitment to advancing aviation education and meeting the growing demand for skilled air crews in Alberta and beyond.

As we mark 55 years of Aviation education, Mount Royal is directly addressing the industry's need for qualified professionals by doubling its pilot training intake from 40 to 80 students annually by 2026. This expansion, supported by the new facility, ensures more career-ready MRU graduates are prepared to enter and lead in the aviation sector.

Opening ceremonies included a ribbon cutting, panel discussion with industry leaders, and the unveiling of a plaque honoring Ken Lett,  a distinguished veteran, an esteemed business leader, and a giant in aviation philanthropy. Ken’s incredible generosity helped establish a number of scholarships and bursaries in his name at MRU and he was a significant contributor to the new aviation campus.

“Alberta has long been a leader in aviation training, and Mount Royal University’s aviation program has been at the heart of that leadership for 55 years. With this new Springbank Aviation Campus, we are building on that proud legacy—expanding opportunities for students, strengthening our aviation industry, and ensuring Alberta continues to soar as a hub for skilled pilots and aviation professionals. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I want to thank MRU and all of its partners for their vision and commitment to our province’s future.”

— Honourable Myles McDougall, Alberta Minister of Advanced Education

“Alberta has always been a place where people look to the skies and build for the future — and aviation is a proud part of that story,” said the. “With Mount Royal University’s new Springbank Aviation Campus, more young Albertans will gain the skills to succeed in this growing industry. This project will train pilots and technicians, create good paying jobs, and drive innovation in our province to build up a strong Canadian economy.”

— Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Sky-high congratulations to Mount Royal University on 55 years of aviation education and the grand opening of their impressive Springbank Aviation Campus. I’m proud of our new government’s investment to expand MRUs student capacity and our commitment to initiatives that create opportunities for youth in Alberta.”

— Honourable Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“The new campus is an investment in the future of Alberta’s aviation industry. It provides our students with a learning environment that matches their ambition and positions Mount Royal to meet the growing demand for skilled pilots across Canada.”

— Dr. Tim Rahilly, MRU president and vice-chancellor

“With more space for aircraft and equipment, the new hangar allows greater access to flying opportunities and helps us progress through training more efficiently, It also provides a hands-on environment that reflects the professional world we’re preparing to enter.”

— Kacy Cameron, MRU Aviation sudent 

Highlights of Springbank Aviation Campus

Enhanced learning environment: Our new 3,402-square-meter (36,632-square-foot) aviation facility includes modern classrooms, study spaces and meeting rooms. This space will greatly improve the learning experience for our students and provide an ideal environment for our faculty to deliver quality teaching.

Expanded capacity: The facility’s two hangars can house our current fleet of aircraft, with additional space to accommodate future growth. This expansion supports the ongoing evolution of our Aviation Program, meeting the ever-increasing demand for skilled pilots and aviation leaders.

Advanced technology access: Students will benefit from new flight simulators, more efficient flight scheduling, access to new technology and hands-on learning opportunities, fostering a rich, immersive educational experience.

Community partnership: Our presence at Springbank Airport strengthens our partnership with the local community and cements our role as a key partner in Alberta’s aviation industry. This collaboration will further enhance networking opportunities for students and foster industry connections.

Sustainable future: This facility supports our vision for the future, providing a solid foundation for the coming decades of aviation education at Mount Royal. It ensures that our Bachelor of Aviation Management and Aviation Diploma programs continue to produce highly skilled graduates ready — and prepared — to excel in the aviation sector.