SYDNEY (NS) – July 18, 2008 – The federal government, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC), is supporting the establishment of the Cape Breton Flight Institute (CBFI), a comprehensive airline pilot training facility to be located at the Sydney Airport. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
“With this $750,000 business loan, the Government of Canada is helping to market Canadian expertise to the world,” said Minister MacKay. “Project developers have identified a need in the aviation industry and assembled a qualified team that will provide training here in Cape Breton, with the potential of creating up to 70 high-quality jobs.”
This Institute anticipates attracting Canadian and international students. Current marketing efforts are focused on the growing demand for pilots in China. Attracting regional, national and international students to Cape Breton will generate significant economic benefits for the region.
“Globally, there is a shortage of commercial pilots and our Flight Institute, based in Cape Breton, is ready to meet this demand.” said Bill Gardiner, President and CEO of CBFI. “ECBC recognizes the export potential of our world class pilot training facility. The students will be trained by experienced airline pilot instructors, using the latest in technology including simulator and bridge training, so they gain the knowledge and skills necessary to fly modern, multi-crew passenger aircrafts.”
CBFI’s management team has over 150 years of air force and airline pilot training, management and operational experience. Students will learn to manage complex aviation computer systems, communicate effectively in English – the language of international aviation - and co-operate as a member of an integrated flight team. The first class of student pilots will commence this fall.
The total cost of establishing this pilot training institute is over $2,300,000. ECBC is providing a business loan of $750,000.
In addition to the ECBC loan, the Province of Nova Scotia, through Nova Scotia Business Inc., is providing a payroll rebate set at a maximum of $746,550 and a loan of $710,000.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION
Bill Gardiner
President and CEO, Cape Breton Flight Institute
Tel: 902-564-1140
Cell: 902-221-7191
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
Tel: 902-564-3617