A centre of aviation excellence and innovation
Home to one of the country’s busiest airports and headquarters for one of Canada’s major airlines, Calgary has solidified its place as an aviation hub. Our expertise in geospatial data collection and analysis, navigation and communication equipment manufacturing, custom software development and hardware, and manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MMRO,) have made Calgary an emerging centre of excellence and innovation in the global aerospace industry.
The sky's the limit
It’s not just small and medium-sized enterprises that thrive in Calgary’s aerospace ecosystem. Multinational companies in defence and aerospace have operations in Calgary. Learn more about Alberta’s aerospace ecosystem.
Driving Tech Forward
Get your copy of Calgary’s Autonomous & Unmanned Technology Cluster Report
Download ReportAerospace Innovation Hub (AIH)
The only dedicated collaboration space in Alberta for companies developing the next generation of aerospace technologies, managed by Innovate Calgary. AIH offers incubation space, equipment, accelerator programming, and a community for companies developing the next generation of technologies for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Learn MoreCalgary is a living lab
The Living Lab initiative plays a key role in positioning Calgary as one of the most innovative and business-friendly cities in Canada. 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 including unmanned and autonomous systems, augmented reality and virtual reality.
View WebsiteYYC Calgary International Airport
YYC Calgary International Airport is one of the largest air cargo gateways in the nation and features the YYC Global Logistics Park, which connects commercial, airside and logistics businesses.
View WebsiteLufthansa Technik
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.
Learn MoreAutonomous Systems
Calgary is a North American hub for geospatial science that is driving growth in the unmanned and autonomous systems sector. Calgary has a strong pool of talent with expertise in geospatial technologies, data analysis, data visualization and systems integration. The city is also home to a number of world-class research institutions, progressive legislation and an entrepreneurial mindset that is driving this technology forward.
SkySensus
SkySensus is a research and development and commercialization project intended to advance the routine use of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), which is a critical component of the unmanned commercial and defence application of unmanned aerial systems technology. This project – a collaboration between Canadian UAVs, AERIUM Analytics, Foremost UAS Range and Arcfield Canada – has put Alberta on the map as a global leader in unmanned aerial systems.
Autonomous systems companies call Calgary home
From emerging companies to anchor firms, Calgary is home to a number of autonomous systems-related companies that design, manufacture and deploy unmanned and autonomous tech.
Talent pipeline
Calgary’s post-secondaries offer programming to support developing talent in aviation, aerospace, and autonomous systems, with over 400 aerospace-related program graduates per year.
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary offers a minor in Aerospace Engineering Degree program — the first in Western Canada. World renowned specialty in geospatial science and engineering, integration with autonomous mobile systems and related technology for autonomous systems.
View WebsiteSAIT
The Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) leads industry partnered applied research supporting innovation and new technology development. SAIT’s Art Smith Aero Centre is globally recognized for aviation training and offers immersive learning with airside access, hangar and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. SAIT is one of the first post-secondaries in Canada that offers a drone pilot program.
View WebsiteMount Royal University
Mount Royal University offers one of Canada’s elite programs integrating academic preparation with commercial pilot, multi-engine, instrument and simulator training. They also offer a Bachelor of Aviation Management and an Aviation Diploma program.
View WebsiteCalgary is an opportunity-rich city
Our interactive investment map highlights the foreign direct investment (FDI) that has taken place in the Calgary area over the past 6 years.
Explore Investment in Calgary
Research & Development institutions
Calgary is home to organizations driving unmanned and autonomous tech forward.
Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML)
The ACML facilitates collaboration between industry experts, researchers, students and SMEs to provide innovative solutions to aerospace’s biggest challenges, including improving aircraft performance and reducing environmental impacts.
Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
CIRAMM, part of the Applied Research and Innovation Services at SAIT, fosters innovation through advanced digital manufacturing technologies and materials solutions. The state-of-the-art labs specialize in custom part fabrication, materials analysis, 3D printing, and robotics automation, supported by expert researchers and top-tier equipment.
TECTERRA
The first centre of its kind, TECTERRA works with industry, entrepreneurs, researchers and government affiliates to enable the use of geospatial technologies in addressing local, national and global challenges.
Transportation & Logistics
Connecting the city to the world through air, rail and ground access, Calgary is Western Canada’s inland port.
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Team Calgary partners
Want to learn more? Get in touch
Contact
Amy Smith
Business Development Manager, Aerospace & Logistics
