September 19, 2016, DIEPPE (GNB) – The expansion of Moncton Flight College will create 29 new jobs in the province.

“We know how important creating jobs and growing the economy are to New Brunswickers and their families,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “The aerospace industry is an important contributor to our economy, and, by working together with the Trudeau government and industry, we are getting things done to grow the economy and create jobs here at home.”

The flight-training company, one of the world’s largest, trains 425 students annually. Industry forecasts from Boeing indicate 617,000 pilots will be needed between now and 2035.

Opportunities NB will provide up to $260,000 in the form of a payroll rebate over four years to create 29 full-time positions. These new jobs would result in about $1.2 million of new payroll to boost the economy and an increase of about $2 million in annual GDP.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) contributed $280,300 under its Business Development Program for the purchase and installation of four flight-training simulators; three will be located in Fredericton and one in Moncton.

The company has also upgraded two hangars at its Fredericton campus.

“This important project at Moncton Flight College will help the company grow and help strengthen the regional economy,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “Through ACOA, the federal government is pleased to work with the college as it expands and creates new jobs for the region.”

Petitpas Taylor commented for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also minister responsible for ACOA.

“We are pleased that Opportunities NB will invest in the growth of our business,” said Mike Tilley of Moncton Flight College. “The global aviation sector is expanding quickly and we are seeing this trend in Canada, as well. This contribution will assist us in the hiring of several skilled positions, located here in New Brunswick, and help us to produce more professional pilots for the domestic and international marketplace.”

Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):

Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-7596.

Mike Tilley, CEO, Moncton Flight College, 506-647-2821, mike.tilley@canlinkaviation.com.