June 16, 2023 – Gatineau, QC

The Gatineau Airport is proud to unveil its new parallel taxiways and a terminal expansion housing a modern-aviation training center, part of the significant “Pôle de formation” project. This infrastructure development, resulting from a $13.1 million investment by partners from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, has enabled Select Aviation College to fully launch its flight training activities at its new facility in Gatineau, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to aviation education and safety. The arrival of Select Aviation College and Gatineau Airport’s continued development and growth are already bringing significant economic benefits to the Outaouais region.

Recent statistics reveal a significant drop in commercial pilot licenses issued, exacerbating the industry’s growing labour shortage. The Canadian Aviation and Aerospace Council’s 2018 report indicates a demand for 7,300 additional pilots by 2025.

The terminal expansion offers a state-of-the-art training center. Additional classrooms, a new hangar and space for three ALSIM simulators enable students to develop the skills needed to become pilots and meet the growing demands of the industry.

The addition of the new parallel taxiways reduces airfield congestion and enables more environmentally-friendly flight operations while improving student safety and demonstrating greater compliance with aviation regulations. The new taxiways also allow the college to efficiently manage the growing number of training flights and ensure compliance with Transport Canada’s stringent safety requirements.