Northern airline partners with second flight school to train Inuit pilots
Up to 8 students eligible for next school intake in January 2024
Both Canadian North and Air Inuit say their fleets do not include the Boeing 737 Max 9 models, which have been grounded in the U.S. (File photo)
Canadian North is working with a second southern flight school to train more Inuit pilots after undertaking a similar project earlier this year.
“We are pleased to partner with Mount Royal University on this important initiative,” said Michael Rodyniuk, Canadian North’s CEO, in a news release Oct. 12.
“This positive step addresses Canada’s pilot shortage with talented Inuit students.”
The airline announced a similar partnership in July with Manitoba’s Providence University College.
Through the partnership with Mount Royal, situated in Calgary, Canadian North will be able to nominate up to 10 per cent of the university’s annual admissions into its two-year pilot diploma program.
The annual intake is 80, which means eight Inuit students will be eligible for the next intake in January 2024.
Students will be given a conditional offer of employment from Canadian North upon successful completion of the program.
According to the university’s website, total costs for the aviation diploma program are $94,000, not including living expenses.
“We will be working with various regional Inuit organizations to secure funding for Inuit students and assisting in accessing grants, scholarships and bursaries,” said Jason Kilabuk, director of Inuit employment and talent strategies at Canadian North.
The airline and school are also working together on financial aid through a partnership with a financial institution.
Housing will be provided at the school’s Iniskim Centre, which is accommodation set aside specifically for Indigenous students.
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