Premier sponsor WestJet plans to tow a Boeing 737 Max into its South Bay Hangar at Toronto Pearson for Careers in Aviation Expo attendees to tour, subject to aircraft availability at the time of the event. (Photo: WestJet)

On May 6, 2023, the next generation of aviation leaders will experience a unique opportunity to learn about the industry from within one of the country’s busiest airline hangars. WestJet is opening its South Bay Hanger at Toronto Pearson International Airport, located at 6085 Midfield Road in Mississauga, ON, to host the one-day Careers in Aviation Expo.

In addition to Premier sponsor WestJet, the Mississauga event is also being sponsored by Porter Airlines (Platinum), CAE and Diamond (Silver), and Centennial College (Bronze). Attendees will be able tour one of WestJet’s Boeing 737 Max aircraft in the hangar, as well as a handful of smaller airplanes and helicopters (aircraft on display is still subject to availability with more details to come before the event).

Presented annually by Wings and Helicopters magazines, properties of Annex Business Media, the Careers in Aviation Expo is designed to connect aspiring aviators, graduating students and young professionals with leading companies, organizations and schools from the aviation and aerospace sectors. There are two such career expos held each year, with the second leg scheduled to take place October 24, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta.

This year, close to 40 exhibitors are set to inspire the next generation of Pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, future leaders for airport and airline operations, aerospace engineering and design, and flight services, among a range of aviation career opportunities that will be discussed at the expo.

Exhibitors for the May 6 event at WestJet’s hangar include: Air Inuit, AirSprint, AME Association of Ontario, Avworld, Brampton Flight Centre, CAE, Canadian Armed Forces, Centennial College, Chartright Air Group, Confederation College, Cygnet Aviation, Diamond Aircraft, FL Technics (Wright International AMS), Flair Airlines, Georgian College, Harbour Air Aerospace Services (Harbour Air Group), HeavyAero Maintenance Centre, IMP Aerospace & Defence, Jazz Aviation, Journey Air Pilot Training, MFC Training, NAV Canada, Near North Aviation, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, Ornge, Porter Airlines, Select Aviation College, SkyCare Air Ambulance, Skyservice Business Aviation, Southern Interior Flight Centre, Spectrum Airways, Threshold Aviation, Transport Canada, Voyageur Aviation, Wasaya Airways, Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, and WestJet.

In addition to the exhibitors on hand, the Careers in Aviation Expo includes an educational stream with four Main Stage Presentations by industry leaders discussing the challenges and opportunities within a range of aviation careers, as well as dozens of Breakout Sessions with smaller groups and mentors assigned to discuss specific career topics. Attendees can sign-up for individual Breakout Sessions before May 6.