KF Aerospace has announced a $30 million investment that will triple the size of its operation at Hamilton International Airport.

The new facility will add 150,000 square feet of new space, including a hangar large enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft. The project is slated to create 275 jobs.

“This expansion will allow KF Aerospace to bring International customers to Canada,” said company founder Barry Lapointe.

KF Aerospace, formerly known as Kelowna Flightcraft, specializes in maintenance, repair and aircraft overhaul for cargo operators and passenger airlines such as WestJet and Sunwing.

Local students will also benefit from the investment. The expansion will also open space for Mohawk College’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program.

“Getting hands-on experience is the hallmark of a Mohawk education,” says Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie. “This partnership with KF Aerospace ensures our Aviation students get real-life learning experiences in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”

It’s the second major airplane maintenance announcement in recent months. In early January, Porter Airlines announced plans for a new maintenance facility in Thunder Bay, and was examining the possibility of partnering with the local college.

The new 75,000 square foot hangar will be built in Brandon, Manitoba, and should be operational by October. Mohawk students are expected to move in by August 2020.