Construction Advances on De Havilland Aircraft Plant Near Calgary

Work is progressing on a new aircraft manufacturing facility located east of Calgary, known as De Havilland Field. This site will serve as the production hub and headquarters for De Havilland Canada, a prominent airplane manufacturer in the country. The new plant is set to produce several aircraft models, including the innovative water bomber, the CL-515, which has already attracted orders for more than two dozen units.

The establishment of this facility is expected to create approximately 500 jobs in the Calgary region, bolstering local employment opportunities. Additionally, the new plant will manufacture the widely used Twin Otter, which operates in over a hundred countries globally.

Project Development and Future Plans

According to Neil Sweeney, vice-president of corporate affairs at De Havilland, significant progress has been made as the company has recently received government approval for the runway design, a critical milestone for the project. Sweeney confirmed that a section of the facility is on track to become operational by 2028.

“We’ve moved our machinery and equipment onto the site already,” said Sweeney. “Phase one will be parts and distribution, parts manufacturing, aircraft assembly, and a runway.”

In addition to the plant’s construction, De Havilland is also planning to develop a residential community near Strathmore. This initiative aims to provide employees with housing options close to their workplace, enhancing the appeal of the new facility.

The ongoing development of De Havilland Field represents a significant investment in the aerospace industry in Canada. As the project moves forward, it is positioned to strengthen not only the local economy but also the global presence of De Havilland Canada in the aviation sector.