MRU named post-secondary partner in multi-million dollar aviation announcement

Mount Royal University’s aviation program continues to soar to new heights.

For over 55 years, Mount Royal University has been a leader in aviation education and excellence. This reputation is being strengthened by a new partnership announced Sept. 10 with the Government of Alberta, WestJet, CAE and Calgary Economic Development.

The 15-year, multi-million-dollar agreement will launch the Alberta Training Centre of Excellence, a cutting-edge aviation training facility that will be built in Calgary. This is the first of its kind in Canada to combine state-of-the-art aviation professionals training equipment with collaborative research and development activity from Mount Royal.

“The Training Centre of Excellence is about more than supporting one project. It is about securing Alberta’s place as a leader in aviation for decades to come. From training pilots to advancing aerospace technology, Alberta is stepping up to ensure our province is not only keeping pace with global demand but setting the standard for excellence. Calgary will be recognized worldwide as a hub of aviation expertise, and Alberta will be known as the place where talent, innovation and opportunity come together to power the future of flight.”

— Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

Mount Royal is the primary post-secondary partner, contributing academic research expertise and supporting mentorship and career-integrated student learning opportunities in partnership with CAE and WestJet.

“Mount Royal University is excited to partner with CAE and WestJet in shaping the future of aviation training, accelerating the path from first flight to a career in the industry. We are proud to be a part of growing the aviation sector in Alberta. This initiative will lead to opportunities to build and strengthen connections within the industry as Mount Royal University continues to be a leader in aviation education in Calgary, Alberta and beyond.” 

— Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor, Mount Royal University

The generous funding from the Government of Alberta and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund will allow MRU to build on its existing expertise in aviation education through the creation of positions focused on flight training, research and student learning experiences.

Through this collaboration, students will experience transformative opportunities — including access to advanced training programs, state-of-the-art flight simulators, scholarships, and networking and mentorship from industry leaders.

Combining cutting-edge simulation technologies with integrated teaching and research initiatives, this partnership will elevate MRU’s aviation programs and empower the next generation of aviation professionals to lead with safety, innovation and excellence

“We are grateful for the opportunities this funding and agreement will provide our students and faculty. The advanced flight training and opportunity to build and strengthen connections with the aviation industry will provide significant benefits to our students as they prepare to take flight as the workforce of the future. Opportunities for research with the Centre of Excellence partners will also allow for continuous learning and improvement of aviation education.”
In return, the sector will get skilled professionals ready to address the growing needs of the aviation industry.

— Kelly Williams-Whitt, dean, Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation

MRU's collaboration with WestJet at the Centre of Excellence will also provide prospective aviation professionals with exposure to the airline industry through a program intended to help them transition into roles within the aviation industry, which will be launched at a later date.

Currently, Mount Royal’s two-year aviation diploma remains one of Canada’s elite aviation programs.

In addition to the diploma, MRU’s four-year Bachelor of Aviation Management degree, which welcomed its first cohort of students last fall, is the first degree of its kind in Alberta. This degree prepares graduates for roles in operations and management within airlines, airports and other aviation-related organizations.

In October, MRU is looking forward to hosting two celebrations for our aviation programs. On Oct. 3, Mount Royal’s Springbank Aviation Campus will open. The new facility showcases our industry strength and Alberta’s leading position in the aviation sector. Following the hangar opening, there will be an aviation alumni celebration on Oct. 4.

Mount Royal is proud to be part of Alberta’s growing aviation sector, working with our partners through the Centre of Excellence to strengthen connections across the industry. Together, we’re soaring to new heights and shaping the future of aviation education in Calgary, Alberta and beyond.