Aviation/Aerospace

Aerospace and aviation have been an essential component of Chilliwack’s identity. The Chilliwack Airport has been an important part of our history and is an excellent example of what many communities wish for. Today, the airport continues to be an active hub for business, training, and special events such as the annual air show, “Chilliwack Flight Fest.”

The Chilliwack Airport
Our airport encompasses 130 acres and boasts a terminal building designed to accommodate aircraft with up to 19 passengers.  Airside facilities include a 3,990 ft. (1,219 meters) paved and lit runway and parallel taxiway. Our 24-hour fueling station offers competitively priced 100LL Avgas for small aircraft and Jet A for turbine and jet engine aircraft and helicopters.

The Chilliwack Airport is home to approximately 75 private and commercial aircraft, which includes both fixed wing and helicopters.  There are over 20 businesses at the airport including: flight training schools, charter companies (both fixed wing and helicopter), aircraft paint and maintenance shops, as well as other assorted aviation-oriented businesses.  We also boast a fine eatery, “The Airport Coffee Shop” and their famous pies.

Approximately 70 percent of our estimated 60,000 annual air traffic movements are itinerant traffic, consisting of both pilot training and recreational flights from all around BC and south of the border.

Chilliwack Airport is well known to BC aviators as one of the most attractive airports in the province.  It is a showpiece for our community.

For more information on the Chilliwack Airport, please visit http://www.chilliwackairport.com/.

The Future of Chilliwack Aerospace
The City of Chilliwack is committed to developing the aerospace and aviation industry in our community.  Efforts have been initiated to attract new businesses and help the city’s existing aerospace/aviation businesses grow, expand, and diversify. New technology and changing demographics are creating opportunities and market niches for a new variety of goods and services.

The City is also committed to assisting the Chilliwack Municipal Airport with their plans to develop/open up airport lands for aerospace/aviation manufacturers.

Education
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is one of the few institutions in Canada with Transport Canada’s Approved Training Organizations (ATO) designation for its aerospace training programs. UFV’s Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate program is one of eight Industry Canada approved programs nation-wide. The program provides training in all aspects of an airplane except the engine and electronics.

UFV, in cooperation with Coastal Pacific Aviation, offers one, two, and four-year aviation education programs to develop professional pilots. Coastal Pacific instructors teach aviation and flight subjects, and instructors at the UFV Abbotsford campus teach college academic courses. UFV possesses the capability to offer contract training, which would cater to the specific needs of an aerospace/aviation firm.  They have access to numerous experts and consultants in the field of aerospace including contacts at Boeing.

Employment
Aerospace and aviation continues to be one of the city’s expanding sectors. Local firms are expanding and as a result, employment opportunities are on the rise. In Chilliwack, employment ranges from manufacturing to training/education to charter services.