The Dash 8-400 model airplane, one of three types of aircraft De Havilland plans to build at its new production facility east of Calgary. (Image: De Hallivand)

By Canadian Press

Airplane manufacturing plant to be built east of Calgary

Sep 21, 2022 | 2:27 PM

CALGARY, AB – Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is touting the announcement of a new airplane manufacturing plant in Southern Alberta.

De Havilland Canada says it plans to build a “new, state-of-the-art aircraft assembly facility, runway, parts manufacturing and distribution centres and maintenance repair and overhaul centre. In addition, educational space for training the workforce of the future is planned as well as general office buildings and a De Havilland Canada aircraft museum.”

The plant will be located in Wheatland County, approximately 30 minutes east of Calgary.

“The location of De Havilland Field is ideal, having access to a large, young, and diverse labour pool in Alberta, family-friendly cost of living, and a world-class international airport that can support efficient parts distribution to our global customer base,” reads a media release from De Havilland.

About 1,500 workers will be employed at the plant.

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Kenney called it a “game-changing investment” for manufacturing in the province.

The premier said the De Havilland announcement is a major sign of the economic growth, job opportunities, and diversification happening in Alberta.

De Havilland plans to produce three different types of aircraft at the plant.

(The Canadian Press)