On June 21st, the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC) celebrated the grand opening of its new Aviation SIM Centre and Innovation Hub. The event gathered federal funding partners, regional council members, local leaders, airline partners, and media representatives to mark this significant development.

The cutting-edge facility, developed in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), features three advanced flight simulators: Boeing 737, De Havilland Q-400, and Airbus 320. These simulators will significantly enhance WWFC’s training programs, giving students practical experience with various aircraft types and better preparing them for airline careers. The simulators will also support advanced aerospace research conducted by WISA, promoting a more sustainable aviation future.

The centre adds 3,300 square feet to the existing facility, making it 10,000 square feet in total, with an investment of over $1.8 million. It incorporates green building practices, including solar power supplementation, an energy-efficient HVAC system, and enhanced insulation for improved energy efficiency.

The new hub, completed in 14 to 15 months, addresses the current pilot shortage by offering state-of-the-art training resources. With its partnerships with the University of Waterloo and WISA, the facility is set to become a cornerstone in the future of aviation training.