Mount Royal University (MRU) launched its Bachelor of Aviation Management degree program at the start of this school year with 40 students enrolled.
The four-year program focuses on roles in both operations and management, preparing students for careers as commercial aircraft flight crew members along with the business side of the industry.
Unlike many aviation courses, a private pilot’s licence is not required before applying.
“Not only do we have a pilot shortage, but we also have a shortage in general in the aviation industry,” said Chris Gillanders, assistant professor of aviation at MRU.
Gillanders says typically, most managers in airlines come from the pilot pool.
“We’re finding there’s a shortage across the board of not just pilots, but also people going into management,” he said.
The 40 students accepted into the program come from a variety of backgrounds, many with a passion to fly.
“Some of them are just starting off in their careers here at Mount Royal as private pilots and starting their journey towards commercial pilots and they will graduate as commercial pilots with an aviation management degree.” Gillanders said.
WestJet has partnered with the university since 2017, providing students direct access to mentorship and interview opportunities.
Gillanders says there’s never been a more exciting time in aviation in southern Alberta.
“We have de Havilland, for example, that is building a new facility for aircraft development and maintenance,” he said.
“We have SAIT doing mechanical engineering and we have various sectors working on new technologies in aviation and aeronautics and space across the board.”
For more details on the program, you can find it on the MRU website.
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