Canadian North has commissioned its advanced CAE 7000XR Boeing 737NG full-flight simulator (FFS). This is located at a new 30,000-square-foot training center at Edmonton International Airport.
This state-of-the-art facility further raises the bar with the airline’s investment in air safety and pilot training.
Grand Opening Celebration
The launch ceremony for the new simulator too place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Canadian North executives Aaron Speer, vice-president of Flight Operations, and Nick Purich, chief financial officer, were joined by a host of dignitaries and industry leaders.
Representatives from Edmonton International Airport, CAE, and EFC Developments were present to mark the occasion.
The event also drew political attention, with Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish. Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rick Wilson, was also in attendance.
Federal representation came in the form of Mike Lake, P.C., M.P. for Edmonton-Wetaskiwin. Local government was represented by Glenn Belozer, deputy mayor of Leduc County.
In a nod to Canadian North’s 100 percent Inuit ownership structure, respected elder Maina Manniapik lit a ceremonial Qulliq and provided a blessing for the new facility.
This gesture beautifully blended modern aviation technology with traditional Inuit culture. It neatly symbolizes the airline’s unique position in Canada’s aviation landscape.
Advanced Training Capabilities
The new CAE 7000XR Boeing 737NG full-flight simulator is at the heart of this facility. This cutting-edge technology significantly boosts B737NG training capacity. It addresses the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the industry.
By allowing pilots to train domestically, Canadian North ensures easier access to crucial training sessions. This reduces the need for travel and increasing training efficiency.
The opening of this facility is not just a win for Canadian North but also for the local economy. It represents a positive development in the diversifying economies of Alberta and the Edmonton Region.
The 30,000-square-foot facility has room for growth, with ample space available for additional aviation training infrastructure.
This potential for expansion could lead to further job creation and economic stimulation in the area.
Canadian North: A Leader in Northern Aviation
Canadian North was formed in 2019 through the merger of First Air and Canadian North. It acts as a crucial lifeline for Canada’s northern communities.
The operation is a flagship airline for Inuit-owned Makivik Corporation and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. As such, it plays a vital role in connecting remote northern areas to southern Canada.
The airline operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 737 and ATR aircraft, serving 25 destinations across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and southern Canada.
Canadian North is an essential service provider, delivering passengers, cargo, and charter services to communities where air travel is often the only year-round transportation option.
This new simulator facility underscores Canadian North’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and service in challenging Arctic conditions.
It also reflects the airline’s dedication to investing in the communities it serves by bringing high-tech training capabilities to Edmonton.
Leadership Perspectives
Shelly De Caria, president and CEO of Canadian North, emphasized the company’s priorities. “Our number one goal is to safely and reliably deliver essential passenger, cargo and charter services for our customers and communities.”
“This investment in a state-of-the-art Boeing 737NG full flight simulator and training centre underscores our commitment to ensuring pilot proficiency and safety, benefiting everyone we serve.”
Myron Keehn, president and CEO of Edmonton International Airport (YEG), highlighted the collaborative nature of the project.
“Aviation is a collaborative and innovative industry. Welcoming Canadian North’s newest flight simulator and training facility right here at YEG will showcase the potential and unlock possibilities in our region.”
“We’re proud to work alongside forward-thinking organizations like Canadian North and its partners to advance and strengthen the aviation industry.”
Conclusion
The new simulator is scheduled to begin operations in August, marking the start of a new era in pilot training for Canadian North.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the airline’s first simulator at Edmonton International Airport; Canadian North also operates a ‘Level D’ 737-300 full-flight simulator at the same location.
Canadian North continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and training facilities; supporting operations in one of the world’s most challenging flying environments.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
