Toronto Airways has formally welcomed its Canadian Flight Academy training operation at Peterborough Regional Airport, marking the full opening of a program that began operating at the facility in May 2026.
Training, fleet and partnerships on site
The company, which has provided flight instruction in Ontario since 1963, runs the Canadian Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence program at the Peterborough site in partnership with Centennial College. Students receive ground instruction, simulator training and aircraft time all at the airport, supported by an onsite aircraft maintenance organization and a fleet of 16 aircraft.
Economic and employment impacts
The City of Peterborough announced in February 2025 that Canadian Flight Academy, owned by Toronto Airways, would become a new tenant. At the time, city projections forecast the operation would create approximately 50 direct jobs and add an estimated $20 million to the local economy in gross domestic product.
"The investment strengthens Peterborough Regional Airport’s role in aviation employment, training and economic development while creating opportunities for future aviation professionals."
The airport, owned by the City and located in Peterborough County, already hosts more than 20 aviation and aerospace businesses and supports over 550 direct jobs. Its facilities accommodate a range of activities, including corporate aviation, aircraft maintenance, aerospace services and flight training.
- Operation started at the airport in May 2026.
- Program delivered in partnership with Centennial College.
- Supported by a 16-aircraft fleet and onsite maintenance.
Local context and likely consequences
For Peterborough, the arrival and formal opening of a retained flight-training operation strengthens the airport’s profile as a regional aviation hub. The embedded training program can generate ongoing demand for local services — from maintenance and fuel to housing and retail — as students and staff spend locally. It may also increase the airport’s draw for related aerospace and support businesses considering Peterborough as a base.
City officials and the airport authority have highlighted the site’s existing concentration of aviation activity as a foundation for future growth. The addition of an established flight school with a college partnership adds a steady stream of trainees and a structured pathway into aviation careers, potentially addressing workforce needs in the sector.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Projected direct jobs from operation | ~50 |
| Estimated GDP contribution | $20 million |
| Airport businesses | 20+ |
| Direct jobs at airport | 550+ |
Toronto Airways’ presence in Peterborough, combined with the airport’s existing cluster of aviation and aerospace firms, positions the city to benefit from training-related activity and potential spin-off business. The long-term impact will depend on student intake levels, demand for pilot training and broader trends in regional aviation services.
