Pilot school ready to take off in North Bay in July

International Test Pilots School Canada will begin delivering advanced tactical aviation training from its new home at the Jack Garland Airport in North Bay, Ont., July 6 2026. A stock photo of some of the aircraft they will be training on is shown. (Supplied/International Test Pilots School Canada)

The International Test Pilots School Canada says its new tactical training centre will begin operations at Jack Garland Airport on July 6, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into northern Ontario.

Staffing and community commitment

The launch follows the school’s acquisition of a hangar at the airport and significant capital renovations to establish what it calls a state-of-the-art aviation training, maintenance, and operations centre. The North Bay operation will initially support approximately 60 staff and will welcome students, instructors, visiting military personnel, and industry partners as it begins delivering advanced tactical aviation training from its new Canadian home.

Dave Lohse, the organization’s chief executive officer, said the relocation reflects a commitment to allied defence readiness.

“The relocation and expansion of ITTC reflects our commitment to supporting NATO and allied nations with world-class tactical flight training while strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in military aviation training,” he said in a news release.

“With its world-class airport facilities, abundant airspace and proud military heritage, North Bay provides the ideal environment to build a next-generation training centre capable of preparing future fighter pilots for increasingly complex operational environments.”

The school said North Bay was selected for its unique combination of strategic airspace, aviation infrastructure, military heritage, and community support. The region offers uncongested training airspace, diverse weather conditions, and a location that enables pilots to train alongside NATO, Five Eyes, and allied air arms, enhancing interoperability and operational effectiveness.

Beyond the July launch, ITPS Canada is planning a purpose-built aviation training campus of approximately 64,000 square feet on adjacent airport lands, representing an estimated capital investment of $35 million. At full scale, the expanded campus is expected to support 120 to 200 highly skilled aerospace and defence jobs in North Bay, contributing to Canada’s broader defence industrial objectives.

Strategic importance

Brendan Pierce, vice-president of tactical training for ITTC, said the North Bay location offers distinct operational advantages that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.

“The launch of ITTC in North Bay gives us the ability to deliver the kind of tactical training environment our customers are looking for, with room to expand to meet future training needs,” Pierce said.

“North Bay provides access to exceptional airspace, realistic weather conditions and the flexibility to build training programs that prepare pilots for the environments they will encounter throughout their careers.”

Jet trainer agreement, long-term plans

The move to North Bay builds on ITPS Canada’s recent announcement that it has signed an agreement with Leonardo for six M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with options for an additional six aircraft. Expected to enter service beginning in 2029, the aircraft will be based at ITTC in North Bay and will support the expansion of advanced tactical fighter pilot training for NATO and allied air forces.

For more than 25 years, ITPS Canada has delivered aviation training to pilots and military personnel from more than 29 air arms worldwide and as global demand for tactical aviation training continues to grow, the school said ITTC is now positioned to provide NATO and allied air forces with a flexible, responsive and operationally focused training solution delivered in the skies over Canada. While ITPS Canada remains a leader in flight test training in London, Ont., the strategic move to relocate ITTC to North Bay allows the division to scale its existing tactical training capacity to meet growing demand from allied nations, enhancing Canadian sovereign capability.