WestJet plans Winnipeg hangar and 50 maintenance jobs

WestJet plans a 73,110-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar near Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, becoming the first tenant in the AirLink Business Park at West Lands. Chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech said the facility, expected to open by late 2028, fills a missing piece for growing the airline's Winnipeg network and could employ about 50 aircraft maintenance engineers. The Winnipeg Airports Authority will build the hangar for a planned 25-year lease, subject to approvals including Transport Canada and WestJet's board. Mayor Scott Gillingham called it a boost for the city's aviation economy after years of infrastructure spending to service the industrial lands.