How Thunder Bay's aviation industry hopes to bring more women and young people into the fold | CBC News LoadedThunder Bay, Ont., wants young people and women to soar into a career in aviation as Canada's airline industry deals with an ongoing pilot shortage. Thunder Bay, Ont., wants young people and women to soar into a career in aviation as Canada's airline industry deals with an ongoing pilot shortage.
"There's more than just maintenance and pilots. There's service workers, inspection people — there's always a place for you," she said. "If working with your hands isn't your thing, we can find a place for you." A 2018 report by the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace said a third of flight operators in Canada cited pilots as their biggest skills shortage. The report said the need for experienced pilots is beginning to outpace the available national supply and projected the industry will need an additional 7,300 pilots by 2025.
There are 200 aerospace firms based in northern Ontario, according to Thunder Bay's Community Economic Development Commission, which is part of a $6.4-billion industry in Ontario alone. "I'm not sure what path it's going to take me on, but I love being in a plane," she said. "On bad days when we can't fly, I'm a little sad — I wish for better weather."Mohammed began her career seven years ago as a customer service agent in Winnipeg before transitioning to a flight attendant and is now on her way to becoming a pilot. She's preparing to take her first series of exams on her way to becoming a commercial pilot.