News Training
Fanshawe to begin new Commercial Flight and Aviation Leadership program

The Ontario Government has approved Fanshawe College’s new Commercial Flight and Aviation Leadership program, which is scheduled to start in fall 2020, providing more aviation training options through the school’s Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology based in London, Ontario.

“Our government supports initiatives that give workers the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and keep Ontario open for business — and we believe this program will do just that,” said David Piccini, Ministry of Training, College and Universities Parliamentary Assistant.

The new three-year program, the first of its kind, will be focused on aviation leadership and flight training. It will also leverage Fanshawe’s partnership with Diamond Flight Centre. Fanshawe already offers a comprehensive suite of aviation and aerospace-related programming, including technology, manufacturing and structural repair.

The government explains this new program will offer a range of in-demand career skills and knowledge and increase options for students in the aviation program. The program will also bring new aviation industry opportunities to the London region.

“Fanshawe is proud to be expanding its aviation offerings to include flight training at the Norton Wolf School of Aviation Technology,” said Peter Devlin, president of Fanshawe College. “With these new programs, the College will be a major training destination for future aerospace careers both nationally and internationally.”

According to the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (2018), there is strong and growing labour market demand for licensed commercial pilots. The job outlook for air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors for 2017-2021 is above average with a total of 801 to 900 projected openings in Ontario alone. The Government of Ontario also notes industry projections suggest a need for 620,000 active airline pilots worldwide by 2036 – up from 290,00 in 2017.