By Evan Careen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Telegram

A New Brunswick-based company is opening a seasonal flight school at Goose Bay airport this summer.

MFC Training, operating in partnership with Air Borealis, is offering private and recreational pilot training, as well as discovery flights for people who have never flown before.

When contacted by SaltWire about the school, the company said as a central location in Labrador with considerable aviation infrastructure in place, Goose Bay Airport is an “excellent, accessible option” and they’re looking forward to working more with Air Borealis to attract local and Indigenous students.

“Aviation is essential for Canada’s Northern communities,” MFC said in an emailed response. “We want to build on the success of Air Borealis’ long-term employees. This is our next step in helping Air Borealis build on the success of their operations with individuals from the communities for which they serve.”

Labrador has a long history with aviation, with the air force base in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the myriad of other planes and helicopters used for things like industry, health care, food and travel to and from remote locations.

“It’s critical for places like the coast to have flights and it’s even more critical for airlines like Air Borealis to have pilots that are actually from the area,” said Goose Bay Airport Corporation CEO and General Manager Goronwy Price.

“There’s a greater connection and it reflects the communities. This is exciting for young people interested in flight and exciting as an investment in aviation.”

Having to travel outside Labrador and relocate to get the training can be a barrier to some people, he said, and this will make it easier for locals to access.

Price said this is the first time a formal flight school has been set up at the airport and they hope it will become an annual program.

Air Borealis is a partnership between PAL Airlines, the Innu Development Limited Partnership and the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies and operate flights in Labrador.