AEROSPACE

Think higher. Land here.

Home to one of Canada's biggest airports, Calgary’s aerospace ecosystem is anchored by applied R&D, aerospace components and parts manufacturing, MRO and unmanned systems. We connect research, testing and talent in an industry built for long‑term growth.

400+

Students graduate from Calgary's aerospace-related post-secondary programs annually
$3 billion

From the aerospace sector contributed to Alberta’s GDP in 2024

StatsCan, 2025
100+

Direct global routes from Calgary

YYC Airport, 2025

Key industry players

Two technicians perform maintenance underneath an aircraft inside a hangar.

A centre of aerospace training and innovation

Calgary is solving global supply chain challenges with scale, speed and connectivity. Along the way, we’ve solidified our place as an aviation hub. The city is home to one of Canada’s major airlines as well as innovators working to expand the aerospace industry’s horizons.

Aerospace profile

Calgary’s aerospace ecosystem

We’re home to everything from small and medium-sized enterprises to multinational defence and aerospace companies. The aerospace sector is also boosted by industry-government partnerships, YYC Calgary International Airport and our post-secondary institutions.

Officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside an airport with YYC and partner banners in the background.

Aerospace Innovation Hub

Our Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) gives innovators access to funding, business support and the chance to validate their technologies in real-world settings.

Aerospace Innovation Hub

Calgary skyline rising above trees and a river in the foreground.

Calgary is a Living Lab

The Living Lab opens up public spaces, transportation corridors, the dark fibre and LoRaWAN networks and other City-owned assets for testing, validating and showcasing technological innovation.

Calgary's Living Labs

Wide exterior view of a modern airport terminal at sunset.

YYC Calgary International Airport

Calgary’s airport is one of the largest air cargo gateways in Canada. It also features the YYC Global Logistics Park, which connects commercial, airside and logistics businesses.

YYC Calgary International Airport

Post-secondary programs

The University of Calgary offers a minor in aerospace engineering. It also has world-renowned specialties in geospatial science and related technology for autonomous systems.

SAIT offers a drone pilot program and its Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems leads applied research in new technology development. The Art Smith Aero Centre is globally recognized for immersive learning and aviation training.

Mount Royal University offers an elite program that integrates academic study with commercial pilot, multi-engine, instrument and simulator training. It also has a bachelor of aviation management and an aviation diploma program.

Technician inspecting a jet engine on a small aircraft inside a maintenance hangar.

Calgary’s aerospace innovation hub

Our aerospace innovation efforts are centred around YYC Calgary International Airport and are anchored by global aviation leaders.

A white drone flying above rows of crops in an agricultural field.

Emerging strengths in Calgary's aerospace industry

Calgary’s aerospace sector unites aerospace components and parts manufacturing, MRO and unmanned systems—creating a diversified, integrated ecosystem that supports innovation, testing and commercialization across the full aerospace value chain.

Subsectors driving growth

Close-up view of jet engine turbine blades.

Aerospace components and parts manufacturing

A technician in a safety vest works on an exposed aircraft engine in a hangar.

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)

Two people review a map on a screen during a drone operations meeting.

UAVs and drones or unmanned systems

Satellite view of farmland divided into fields with a river running through the landscape.

Aerospace-based geomatics

An engineer wearing an augmented reality headset works at a computer displaying robotic systems.

Simulators and training

Civil aviation

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Research and development institutions

Calgary’s post-secondary institutions and leading aerospace companies work hand-in-hand to advance innovation and develop job-ready talent.

Three women stand beside a red drone or helicopter display at an event.

Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems

CIRUS combines applied testing and data analysis with hands-on training to support industry needs and advance remotely piloted aircraft systems technology.

Explore CIRUS

Close-up of a metal drill bit cutting into a surface with sparks flying.

Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials

CIRAMM boasts state-of-the-art labs dedicated to custom parts fabrication, materials analysis, 3D printing and robotics automation.

Explore CIRAMM

A large remote-controlled aircraft sits on a runway with people standing nearby.

University of Calgary Aerospace Network

Researchers in science, engineering and the arts collaborate to drive technological solutions in fields ranging from remote sensing to high-speed propulsion systems.

Explore aerospace network