WCC opens Aviation Wing in Abbotsford International Airport 

WESTERN Community College (WCC) is soaring to new heights as the only International Air Transport Association (IATA)-authorized training centre in Canada to offer IATA-certified aviation training programs, other than the IATA itself.

The IATA designs and develops training programs in all areas of airline operations applicable for all airlines globally, such as cabin crew training, cargo and logistics, air navigation and ground operations.

Western Community College’s new aviation training programs such as the cabin crew program are IATA-certified, while their commercial and private pilot licenses, and night rating programs are Transport Canada-certified. WCC plans to introduce additional IATA-certified airline operations training programs in the near future.

WCC’s new aviation training programs will be located at the college’s new aviation wing at the Abbotsford International Airport.

WCC is hosting an open house for its new aviation training programs on Saturday, April 27 at their new aviation wing at the Abbotsford International Airport (Hangar F, 120-1185 Townline Road, Abbotsford BC, V2T 6E1) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Western Community College’s new aviation training program authorized by IATA is a game-changing initiative that marks a significant milestone in aviation education,” says Gurpal Dhaliwal, President, Western Community College. “We are proud to be the only authorized training centre in Canada other than the IATA itself to offer IATA authorized airline operations training, including cabin crew training, which will give our graduating students the advantage of having this training before their competitors, giving them a leg up when applying for aviation jobs globally.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 320 airlines or 83 per cent of total air traffic, supporting many areas of aviation activity and helping formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.​ Its airline operations training programs help aviation businesses operate safely, efficiently and sustainably, building career opportunities for the people they employ.

“The aviation industry in Canada stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s transportation network and a vital component of our economy, directly employing approximately 160,000 people across the country,” says Sohail Mahmood Durrani, Head of Aviation Training at WCC. “We’re thrilled to offer a comprehensive suite of IATA designed and developed airline operations programs and Transport Canada certified pilot training programs to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive educational experience to foster the next generation of skilled aviators.”

WCC aviation students will gain invaluable, hands-on, real-world experience being trained on the reliable CESSNA 172, an aircraft renowned for its safety and versatility.

Western Community College’s aviation training program includes:

• Private Pilot License (PPL): A foundational course that equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the skies.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This program takes the fundamentals to a professional level, preparing students for a career in commercial aviation.
• Night Rating: Specialized training that extends a pilot’s capabilities to operate at night, a critical skill for comprehensive flight readiness.
• Cabin Crew Training Program: This IATA certified program is crafted to ready students for the exciting world of airline hospitality, emphasizing customer service excellence and safety.

“Flying and a career as a pilot entails huge responsibility and hard work but the rewards last a lifetime. In the 32 years working as a pilot, I have never met a pilot who didn’t love their job,” explains Robert Wickins, Chief Flight Instructor at Western Community College. “Western Community College is the starting point for a pilot’s career. Our experienced instructors with real world experience, modern facilities and top notch equipment makes our flight school a great option for students.”

For more information about WCC’s aviation training program, visit: https://wcc.ca/programs/aviation/.