Calgary has secured another major win in its growing aerospace sector with Lufthansa Technik (LHT) establishing its Canadian headquarters at the city’s airport. This strategic move further cements Calgary’s position as an emerging hub for aerospace innovation, talent and industry collaboration.
LHT investment support jobs, innovation
LHT’s decision to set up in Calgary brings significant economic and industry benefits, including highly skilled job creation, investment in advanced aviation technology and strengthened aerospace ecosystem.
As a global leader in aircraft maintenance and repair, LHT’s presence reinforces Calgary’s role as a key player in the Canada’s aerospace landscape, attracting more investment and positions the city as a top destination for aviation and MRO services.
“This investment strengthens Calgary’s role as a hub for aerospace innovation and advanced aviation technologies,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “By attracting industry leaders like LHT, we are ensuring our city remains a beacon for forward-thinking talent and groundbreaking technological advancements.”
How Calgary Economic Development supported LHT
The success in attracting LHT to Calgary is the result of strong collaboration between leadership and industry partners while highlighting the city’s competitive business environment and aviation ecosystem.
“After years of hard work and collaboration to showcase our city and build connections with industry partners, we are excited to see Lufthansa Technik land in the Blue Sky City,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development (CED).
“Calgary’s competitive business environment and deep talent pool position us for future growth, and the establishment of Lufthansa Technik’s Canadian hub in our city proves what’s possible as we continue to establish ourselves as a global aerospace leader.”
CED’s team also showcased the city’s dynamic talent pool with detailed projections, and post-secondary introductions to highlight Calgarians’ technical skills and expertise.
“We are grateful for the strong support from our local allies in Canada, which is essential in advancing the creation of a new engine repair shop and test cell facility in Calgary,” said Soeren Stark, CEO, Lufthansa Technik.
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund is a supporter of aerospace innovation
This move was further supported by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund’s (OCIF) $2.5 million investment over the next four years.
The LHT maintenance and repair facility will focus on testing next-generation engines and alternative fuel types, paving the way for transformative advancements in aviation. With this investment LHT will create up to 120 permanent high-skilled jobs and the training opportunities. Additionally, LHT will be setting up the operation of a Test Cell Facility, which will support the development of sustainable fuel types and next-generation engine technologies.
“With the support of OCIF, Calgary continues to cement itself as a destination for innovators and blue-sky thinkers. This new facility builds on previous investments as part of our strategy to support talent development, scale companies and position Calgary as an aerospace innovation hub — creating jobs and strengthening economic resilience for our city and for future generations,” said Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
Building on momentum in Calgary’s aerospace sector
Calgary is rapidly emerging as an aerospace hub with all the right elements to become a global leader in the sector, where entrepreneurs and industry leaders can test, scale and accelerate new technologies. This aligns with the priority in Calgary’s economic action plan, Uplook, to advance innovation through the real-world application of new solutions.
OCIF has played a pivotal role in fostering Calgary’s aerospace ecosystem, with previous investments supporting initiatives like the Aerospace Innovation Hub (AIH) and the Southern Alberta Technology Institute’s (SAIT) Aerospace Composite Materials Lab. These efforts collectively enhance the city’s reputation as a leader in aerospace technology and innovation.
Calgary’s aerospace reputation continues to grow, with SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department selected as a NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) test hub reinforcing the city’s role in cutting-edge aerospace and defense innovation.
WestJet has also chosen Calgary as its home base and exclusive global hub, connecting people and businesses with over 100 direct flights to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Calgary’s post-secondary institutions, including SAIT, Mount Royal University and University of Calgary, are creating new programs to build the talent pipeline for the aviation, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Future outlook: A growing aerospace hub
LHT’s expansion is more than just a single investment—it’s another step toward positioning Calgary as a leader in aerospace innovation, talent development and industry growth. With an ecosystem that includes cutting-edge research, startup incubation and major industry players, Calgary is poised to become one of North America’s most competitive aerospace hubs.
As momentum builds, this investment signals new opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses and skilled workers looking to be part of Calgary’s aviation and aerospace future. With continued collaboration and investment, the city is well on its way to becoming a global leader in this high-growth sector.