Aviation MRO & Training

The Wetaskiwin Regional Airport (CEX3) is one of Central Alberta’s best-positioned regional aviation facilities, a growing hub for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, pilot training, and aviation maintenance apprenticeship programs.

Located just outside Edmonton’s control zone and situated along the Victor 301W low-altitude route between Calgary and Edmonton, the airport offers direct air access and a strategic advantage for aviation businesses seeking a cost-effective alternative to major city airports.

With its proximity to both Edmonton International Airport (EIA) and Calgary International Airport (YYC), Wetaskiwin provides an ideal base for training schools, MRO companies, and aviation technology startups looking to serve regional, national, and international markets.

Why Choose Wetaskiwin for Aviation Investment

Central Alberta Advantage

Wetaskiwin’s airport combines regional accessibility with big-city proximity, offering operational flexibility for flight training and MRO operations without the congestion and cost of metropolitan airports.

• Located on the Victor 301W Air Route – the low-altitude “air highway” between Calgary and Edmonton

• 35 minutes to Edmonton International Airport (EIA)

• Quick access to Calgary International Airport (YYC) via the QEII Highway

• Situated just off the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico

Infrastructure & Accessibility

• Strategic Ground Access: Minutes from the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (QEII) — Alberta’s main transportation artery

• Highway Connectivity: On Highways 2A and 13, linking to Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and Saskatchewan

• Rail Connectivity: Junction point for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)

• High-Speed Connectivity: Among the first Alberta cities to install TELUS PureFibre, providing ultra-fast, reliable internet for aviation operations and digital training systems

Workforce & Training Potential

Wetaskiwin offers a diverse, skilled workforce with strengths in transportation, trades, mechanical, and technical operations — all critical to the aviation and aerospace sector. The city’s affordability and access to nearby training institutions make it a prime choice for aviation schools and MRO employers seeking qualified talent.

• Access to skilled labour at competitive wage rates

• Ideal location for pilot and aviation technician training programs

• Supportive environment for apprenticeships and partnerships with regional educational institutions

Competitive Business Incentives

• 3-Year Industrial Tax Incentive: 75% in Year 1, 50% in Year 2, 25% in Year 3

• No Machinery & Equipment Taxation, reducing operational costs for MRO and manufacturing facilities

• Alberta’s Corporate Tax Rate: 8% — among the lowest in Canada

• Affordable land and development costs compared to major urban centres

Fly Further with Wetaskiwin

From MRO hangar development to aviation education and pilot training, Wetaskiwin offers the airspace, infrastructure, and incentives to help your business take off. Join a community with a proud aviation history and a forward-looking vision for aerospace innovation.

Invest in Wetaskiwin. Your runway to opportunity.