The University’s Commercial Aviation program (formerly known as aeronautics leadership) is proving to be a success, not just in attracting students, but as a source for qualified personnel for the aviation industry.

The program has grown by 50 per cent year over year and has increased its admission capacity. In addition, all Spring 2023 and 2024 grads are employed in the aviation industry.

“We have increased our seat capacity up to 45 students as Journey Air Ltd added a new Diamond DA20 aircraft to our fleet last year, with plans to purchase additional equipment,” says TJ Bradd, program manager. “Our students train on a fleet of seven aircraft that are flying all day long.”

The Commercial Aviation Leadership program offers students a unique blend of a Liberal Arts and Leadership-focused education with practical flight training, offering a diverse and flexible curriculum that allows students to delve into varying fields of study.

Academic courses are complemented by ground school and flight training, conducted in collaboration with Journey Air Pilot Training, located at Windsor International Airport. The location combines the educational advantages of a major air travel hub with the benefits of lower air traffic volumes and a more personal learning environment. This unique situation allows students to enjoy extensive in-air training time, a privilege that sets Journey Air Pilot Training apart from other flight schools in the Southwestern Ontario region and beyond. Journey Air Pilot Training provides hands-on experience, integrating academic learning with practical skills essential in the field of aviation.

“The combination of flight skills, leadership training, and an arts-, humanities-, and social science- based university education makes the University of Windsor’s program one of a kind in the industry,” says Cheryl Collier, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “We are thrilled that this combination is not only attractive to our students but is also translating into exciting career opportunities as the airline industry has a growing demand for qualified commercial pilots.”

The Commercial Aviation Leadership program was developed in response to the growing demand for pilots and leaders in aviation and aerospace. Working in partnership with industry, it has gathered a team of highly qualified people who draw upon their knowledge and years of experience to deliver excellence in the classroom and in the field. This program also offers unique professional networking and employment opportunities for graduates.

“Our fall 2024 enrolment is something to celebrate and shows great collaboration among multiple groups on and off campus towards our recruitment efforts,” says Bradd. “The partnership between Journey Air Ltd. And the University of Windsor Commercial Aviation Leadership program continues to grow, and we look forward to making Windsor proud by connecting Canada’s future aviators to high quality, safe, and efficient flight training, right here in Windsor.”