WestJet will expand its presence at the Calgary International Airport with the construction of a $50 million hangar, which will occupy 125,000 square feet and accommodate its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Announced on Thursday, the eight-storey facility is the latest notch in the belt of the airline, which was established in 1996 and has consistently grown its Calgary hub in the two decades since.

A drawing of the new Calgary hangar, image via CNW Group/WestJet

Stantec is designing the hangar, set to accommodate up to four Boeing 737 aircraft or one Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. To be constructed by CANA, the building will also hold two floors of office space encompassing 130 work stations. 

"Stantec is excited to partner with WestJet once again, leading the design of their new hangar project as they continue the expansion of their fleet, and solidify their presence in Calgary," said Russ Wlad, executive vice president, Stantec, in a press release. "We are proud to support the communities we serve, and this transformational project is the beginning of a new era at YYC — connecting more people to the City of Calgary and beyond."

Officials from WestJet, YYC, Stantec and CANA break ground on the hangar, image via CNW Group/WestJet

WestJet is the largest carrier at YYC, growing its services from five domestic destinations and three aircraft to more than 50 international destinations and approximately 110 daily flights, including its first transatlantic flight out of Calgary to London-Gatwick in 2016. In April 2017, the airline officially announced the purchase of ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with the option of purchasing another ten. The first wide-body aircraft is expected to arrive in January 2019, with the hangar completed in the spring of that year.

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