Women in aviation panel at Hangar Flight Museum

Women leading Calgary's growing aviation sector gathered Sunday at the Hangar Flight Museum to inspire the next generation, part of the inaugural Aviation Career Days connecting youth with industry leaders.

The five-person panel highlighted a critical moment for the sector. In the next 10 to 15 years, a wave of retirements will create significant job openings across the industry, according to panelists. De Havilland has broken ground at Strathmore with plans to hire 1,500 people for its facilities, while Lufthansa is also expanding in the region.

"You either have people that have been in the industry for 20 years or you have people that have been there five years, so there's a big gap in between," said Hirra Mennon, OJT coordinator with De Havilland.

Faith Harrison, a ramp agent for Sunwest Aviation who started her career in B.C., said Alberta — and Calgary in particular — has become the place to build an aviation career. "There are so many opportunities and companies that you could work for, and there's a lot more of a community that helps you get your foot in the door," she said.

The Hangar's first Aviation Career Days featured exhibitor booths from organizations across the sector and multiple panel sessions with industry professionals. The event reflects broader efforts to grow the aviation workforce as major players expand operations and experienced workers prepare to retire.