It’s well documented Canada is facing a critical shortage of airline pilots as travellers take to the post-pandemic skies even as airlines cut back on international and domestic routes..This is more acute in the North, where local residents disproportionately rely on air travel for basic necessities and access to essential services people south of the 60th parallel take for granted..That’s why Canadian North, an Inuit-owned airline, and Mount Royal University have teamed up to train the next generation of northern bush pilots..Representatives from each organization made what they each called a “transformative” announcement in Calgary on Thursday afternoon..Under the program, Canadian will nominate up to 10% of admissions to Mount Royal’s aviation program and offer successful candidates conditional letters of employment. Each will coordinate efforts through the Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) to provide the financial assistance they need to pursue a career in aviation..The partnership also offers mentorship opportunities, valuable flight training benefits and prepares students for the unique challenges of serving remote and northern communities in Canada’s Arctic, the companies said in a release..Canadian North is already a member of MRU’s Aviation Partnership Council..“This positive step addresses Canada’s pilot shortage with talented Inuit students,” said Michael Rodyniuk, Canadian North’s CEO. .“Canadian North is committed to our mission (of) making life better in the communities we serve. Together, we are securing the future of aviation in Canada’s north, building strong Arctic Aviators, providing opportunities, and empowering Inuit youth.”.Mount Royal’s dean, Kelly Williams-Whitt, said the program “aligns” with the university’s commitment to truth and reconciliation while providing top-tier educational standards..“We could not be more pleased that, with the support of ATB, this will help reduce a financial barrier that prevents many students from being able to pursue a career in aviation. It is another exciting chapter in the growth and development of aviation programming at MRU,” she said..In September, the US Federal Aviation Administration said the number of pilots leaving Canada to fly in the US tripled in 2022 as Canadian carriers, specifically Air Canada, cancelled winter sun destination routes from Calgary due to a lack of qualified pilots.
