Great Lakes Helicopter Corporation held a groundbreaking event Tuesday for a new hangar near the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Woolwich [1].

The expansion represents a significant increase in local aviation infrastructure. As the school grows, the additional space allows for more comprehensive training and operational capacity in the region [2].

The company is moving forward with the construction after seeing rapid growth in its fleet, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo said [1]. This growth has necessitated a larger facility to house aircraft and support the school's increasing student body.

The Woolwich-based aviation school offers professional pilot training, and specialized commercial helicopter operations [2]. By expanding its physical footprint, the corporation aims to maintain its ability to provide these specialized services as demand for commercial pilots increases [2].

The project is located in Woolwich, strategically positioned to leverage the existing infrastructure of the Region of Waterloo International Airport [1], [3]. The new hangar will serve as a hub for both the educational side of the business and its commercial flight operations.

Company officials did not provide a specific completion date for the hangar during the announcement. However, the groundbreaking marks the transition from the planning phase to active construction [1].

“The Woolwich-based aviation school offers professional pilot training and specialized commercial helicopter operations.”

The expansion of Great Lakes Helicopter Corporation indicates a rising demand for specialized commercial aviation training in Ontario. By increasing its hangar capacity, the school is positioning itself to scale its fleet and student intake, which may contribute to the broader regional economic growth surrounding the Waterloo International Airport.