Lufthansa Technik (LHT) and Calgary Airports have officially commenced construction on a new, state-of-the-art engine maintenance facility at YYC Calgary International Airport, marking a major investment in Western Canada's growing aerospace sector. The project, valued at CA$120 million (US$88 million), is set to establish a new benchmark for aircraft engine maintenance and testing capabilities in North America.
The facility, operated by Lufthansa Technik Canada—a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik—will span 150,000 ft² (around 14,000 m²). Its core services will focus on near-wing and quick-turn maintenance of CFM International LEAP-1B engines, which power the ever-expanding Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Notably, the site will feature Canada's first engine test cell for latest-generation aircraft engines, underlining its technological significance and capacity for innovation.
Scheduled to become fully operational by 2027, the new repair hub is expected to create at least 160 permanent positions by 2030, with a further 170 temporary roles generated during the construction phase. The design, logistics and development have been closely coordinated between Lufthansa Technik Canada and Calgary Airports, with the latter managing financing, planning, and implementation as part of its broader YYC AeroNex initiative—an aviation development strategy aimed at transforming Calgary into a world-class aerospace hub.
In preparation for launch, recruitment is already underway. Lufthansa Technik Canada has filled 30 positions and plans to hire at least 50 more by year-end. Roles include engine mechanics, technical trainers and engineering staff. A dedicated training centre with four bays will soon open in Calgary, providing hands-on education and live training events.
Additionally, a partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), formalised through a memorandum of understanding, will help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers through tailored aviation training programmes. The project signals a long-term commitment to boosting Alberta's aviation industry while supporting sustainable economic development in the region.