Construction has officially begun on a cutting-edge engine maintenance and testing facility at YYC Calgary International Airport, following a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Lufthansa Technik and Calgary Airports. The new development represents a $120 million investment into Alberta’s growing aerospace sector and is set to position Calgary as a central hub for next-generation aircraft engine services.
The project, a collaboration between Lufthansa Technik Canada and Calgary Airports, includes a 150,000-square-foot engine repair shop and Canada’s first test cell built for the latest aircraft engine models. The facility will specialize in servicing LEAP-1B engines, which power the Boeing 737 MAX fleet, a move designed to meet the increasing maintenance needs of North American airlines.
Set for completion in 2027, the facility will bring a minimum of 160 permanent jobs by 2030 and approximately 170 temporary construction roles. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the site will incorporate modern equipment and a design that makes use of natural daylight, creating a highly functional and welcoming work environment.
“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 Commercials 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.”
Lufthansa Technik Canada has been working closely with Calgary Airports to finalize the layout and logistics of the new site. Calgary Airports is managing the project’s financing, planning, and construction, positioning the facility as a cornerstone of the YYC AeroNex campus, a planned aviation services hub aimed at supporting long-term growth in the aerospace industry. Lufthansa Technik Canada has also secured a long-term lease for the location.
“This engine repair station and test cell will boost regional economic development and reinforce Calgary’s role as a gateway for aviation innovation and excellence. It will provide airlines access to world-class facilities to ensure reliable, efficient and lower-cost maintenance services,” said Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of Calgary Airports. “The construction of a new engine test cell is a rare event globally, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community and the aviation industry in Alberta.”
Since the project was announced in February, Lufthansa Technik Canada has already hired 30 professionals, with roles including Aircraft Engine Production Planner, Production Support Engineer and Project Manager. Another 50 hires are expected by the end of the year, with open positions for Engine Mechanics and Technical Trainers.
“Tremendous application numbers show that the fascination for aviation and specifically aircraft maintenance and repair remain strong in Western Canada,” stated 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.”
To support ongoing operations and workforce development, Lufthansa Technik Canada is also launching a dedicated training center in Calgary. This facility will offer technician training with four bays and live training sessions. The company is also partnering with local educational institutions, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), with whom it signed an MoU in March to co-develop aviation training programs.
The project is receiving coordinated support from multiple levels of government and economic organizations. Funding comes from the Government of Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund and the Aerospace Workforce Development Grant, with additional backing from Calgary Economic Development through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. Calgary Airports’ role in developing the infrastructure is supported by the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Prairies Economic Development Canada through its CEDD program. WestJet is slated to become the first customer of the new facility.
