Combat pilot training has been relocated from London, Ontario, to North Bay due to increasingly congested airspace in the London region. The move affects ITPS Canada, which holds a contract with the Government of Canada to train 80 Ukrainian pilots as part of Canada's support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Reason for relocation
The decision to shift training operations was driven by crowded skies over London, which made it difficult to conduct the specialized maneuvers required for combat pilot instruction. North Bay offers less congested airspace and existing infrastructure suitable for military training.
According to officials, the change ensures that Ukrainian pilots receive the high-quality training needed to operate effectively in combat situations. The contract with ITPS Canada is a key component of Canada's military assistance to Ukraine.
Impact on training schedule
Training for the 80 Ukrainian pilots is expected to continue without significant delays despite the relocation. ITPS Canada has experience training pilots from various nations and has adapted its programs to the new location.
The move also highlights broader challenges of airspace management in southern Ontario, where commercial and recreational aviation traffic has grown substantially in recent years.
