SAIT partners with global aviation leader Lufthansa Technik to propel aircraft maintenance education
MEDIA RELEASE
Calgary, AB — A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Lufthansa Technik Canada (LTCA) will bring a collaborative approach to developing new aviation training. Following the recent announcement of the creation of LTCA, SAIT and the leading global provider of aircraft maintenance have established a partnership to solidify a pipeline of skilled career-ready aviation professionals to support Alberta’s growing aerospace sector.
As the exclusive maintenance service provider to WestJet’s LEAP-1B engines, Lufthansa will work with SAIT’s School of Transportation on the development of cutting-edge training tailored to their global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) standards. Leveraging SAIT’s expertise to deliver industry-leading technical education and Lufthansa standards of excellence, this strategic partnership will address a critical gap in aviation expertise to fulfill a growing demand in the workforce.
“This partnership underscores SAIT’s commitment to providing world-class education and advancing Alberta’s economy,” says Lynda Holden, Dean, School of Transportation, SAIT. “The opportunity for students to connect with an industry leader as they enter the Canadian market, while gaining hands-on training tailored to industry talent needs, is an exciting and welcome new opportunity for the School of Transportation.”
“Lufthansa Technik Canada is committed to becoming a proud and engaged member of the community of Calgary, Alberta and Canada as a whole,” says Jonathan Bruns, Head of Mobile Engine Services Quality Readiness, LTCA. “Our partnership with SAIT will help feed the pipeline with local top talent and drive community partnership, while ensuring the smooth transition between SAIT’s curriculum and LTCA’s onboarding, training and development journey. We look forward to a long partnership, welcoming SAIT’s graduates into our teams as the future of Lufthansa.”
New program development will be specifically focused on training skilled professionals as aircraft maintenance engineers and related roles to support industry growth. This exciting partnership aligns with SAIT’s broader mission to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry, while supporting Lufthansa Technik’s expansion into the Canadian market.
With the aviation sector poised for significant growth, this collaborative relationship represents a transformative opportunity for Alberta to lead in workforce development and innovation, positioning Calgary as a global aviation hub.
About SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education, SAIT serves 40,000 students annually. SAIT offers baccalaureate and applied degree programs, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs and more than 550 continuing education and corporate training courses, and specializes in four award-winning areas of applied research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to meet workforce needs and build capacity for innovation province-wide. SAIT is recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers (2024) and by Research Infosource Inc. as fourth among the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada (2024). SAIT is ranked #53 on CEOWORLD Magazine’s list of Best Business Schools and #13 on the list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World for 2025.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.