Toronto Airways Officially Opens Flight Training Operation at Peterborough Regional Airport

By Scott Arnold

A flight training operation that began in Peterborough earlier this year has been officially welcomed to the airport, bringing new opportunities for aviation students and the local economy.

Toronto Airways officially celebrated its flight training operation at Peterborough Regional Airport on October 14th, with Mayor Jeff Leal joining company representatives for a tour of the facility. (photo courtesy of city of peterborough)

Toronto Airways officially celebrated its investment at Peterborough Regional Airport on Wednesday, October 14th, with Mayor Jeff Leal joining company representatives for a tour of its flight training facility.

The company began operating at the airport in May 2026, following the City’s announcement in February 2025 that Canadian Flight Academy, owned by Toronto Airways, would become a new tenant.

At the time, the operation was projected to create approximately 50 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $20 million to the local economy through gross domestic product.

Toronto Airways has provided flight training in Ontario since 1963. Its Peterborough facility delivers the Canadian Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence program in partnership with Centennial College, with students receiving ground instruction, simulator training and aircraft training onsite.

The operation is supported by a fleet of 16 aircraft and an onsite aircraft maintenance organization.

Mayor Jeff Leal said the investment strengthens Peterborough Regional Airport’s role in aviation employment, training and economic development while creating opportunities for future aviation professionals.

The City-owned airport, located in Peterborough County, is home to more than 20 aviation and aerospace businesses that support over 550 direct jobs. Its facilities serve a range of operations, including flight training, corporate aviation, aircraft maintenance and aerospace services.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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First Flight Ever to Nassau, Bahamas For BST Vacations Headlines 2027 Lineup of Travel Destinations

Including a first-ever flight to Nassau, Bahamas in the lineup, BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd.) has released its 2027 Peterborough Charter Collection of flights from Peterborough Airport.

File Photo.

“This is an exciting next step for our Peterborough program,” said Scott Stewart, BST Vacations president. “For years, our clients have embraced the convenience of starting their vacation right here at home. We listen closely to where they want to travel, and we continue to look for opportunities to broaden our charter program with spectacular international destinations. Nassau brings an entirely new Caribbean experience to the program, while destinations like St. Pierre & Miquelon allow us to offer something truly unique that travellers might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”

The following is the 2027 travel schedule:

• Nassau, Bahamas | April 21 to 25, 2027

• St. Pierre & Miquelon | June 17 to 20, 2027

• Charlottetown, P.E.I. | June 25 to 28, 2027

• St. John’s, Newfoundland | July 29 to Aug. 1, 2027

• The Majesty of the St. Lawrence aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam | Sept. 1–11, 2027

• Nashville, Tennessee | Sept. 16 to 19, 2027

“At the same time, we want to keep introducing destinations that surprise and inspire our travellers,” said Steart. The 2027 collection gives them everything from the Caribbean to a little piece of France, all beginning at Peterborough Airport.”

Locally sourced food and drink are included on all outbound flights. A continental breakfast is prepared fresh the morning of departure. Spirits and beer are sourced from local distilleries and craft brewers.

On return flights, adult beverages are available for a $5 donation, with all proceeds supporting local causes. Over the past three years, this initiative has raised funds for Hospice Peterborough.

All trips include:

• Round-trip charter flights from Peterborough Airport

• Included parking at the airport

• Fast, hassle-free check-in

• In-flight meals and beverages

• Hotel accommodations and airport transfers in destination

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Peterborough Regional Airport Taxiway Bravo Construction Underway

Construction of the Taxiway Bravo extension project at the Peterborough Airport is underway.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project includes the construction of an approximately 1,500-foot extension of Taxiway Bravo to the west. The western extent of the taxiway will include a holding bay designed to accommodate Code B aircraft, with wingspans up to 23.9 metres. The project will improve aircraft movement efficiency, improve capacity, and support future airside development.

During construction, pilots should expect temporary operational impacts, including changes to available runway length, declared distances, taxi routes, lighting availability, and access to portions of the airfield. 

Construction is expected to occur from June to October next year. Throughout the construction period, the available length of Runway 09-27 will be reduced.

• THR 09 DISPLACED BY 1,102FT

• FIRST 1,102FT RWY 09 CLSD

• WITH RWY 09/27 SHORTENED, DECLARED DIST CHANGED TO:

• RWY 09  TORA 5903  TODA 6198  ASDA 5903  LDA 5903

• RWY 27  TORA 5903  TODA 5903  ASDA 5903  LDA 5294

July 6 to July 19, 2026

During this period, declared distances of Runway 09-27 will be further reduced to accommodate the connection of the taxiway to the primary runway. 

• FIRST 3,072 FT RWY09 CLSD DUE CONST.

• WITH RWY 09/27 SHORTENED, DECLARED DIST CHANGED TO:

• RWY 09 TORA 3933 TODA 4228 ASDA 3933 LDA 3933

• RWY 27 TORA 3933 TODA 3933 ASDA 3933 LDA 3324

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City of Peterborough Mourns Lives Lost From LaGuardia Incident; Late Pilot Trained at Peterborough Airport

The City of Peterborough mourns the loss of two pilots who lost their lives at LaGuardia Airport in New York, N.Y., including one who trained at Peterborough Airport, in an incident that occurred on Sunday night.

City Hall has flown its flags at half-mast to mourn the loss of those involved at LaGuardia Airport. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two pilots who tragically died in the incident at LaGuardia Airport. 

"This loss is felt especially close to home, as one of the pilots trained at Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Aviation located at the Peterborough Regional Airport. Our community takes great pride in supporting the next generation of aviation professionals, and we share in the grief of all those connected to this promising individual. 

"I have asked that the City’s flags be flown at half mast. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.”

The incident occurred when an airplane collided with a fire truck, killing two pilots and injuring at least a dozen.

The Seneca alumnus pilot was identified as Mackenzie Gunther. According to the institute, he graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program in 2023. Through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, Gunther joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation, beginning his professional flying career.

Gunther was the First Officer on the flight, operating as Air Canada Express, from Montréal to New York.

According to Seneca’s website, the campus has already flown its flags at half-mast in memorandum of Gunther’s passing.

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BST Vacations Announces Its 2026 Lineup of Travel Destinations

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd.) has released its 2026 Peterborough Charter Collection, in its 12th year of offering flights from Peterborough Airport.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The following is the 2026 travel schedule:

• Holland America Volendam Cruise – Canada & New England Circle (May 30 – June 9)

• Charlottetown, PEI (June 4 – 7)

• St. John’s, Newfoundland (June 18 – 21)

• Calgary during the Stampede (July 2 – 5)

• St. Pierre & Miquelon (Sept. 18 – 21)— Sold out, accepting names for a waitlist

• Scottsdale, Arizona (Oct. 15 – 18)

“Every year, our Peterborough program continues to grow in popularity,” says Scott Stewart, BST Vacations president. “We know how much our clients value skipping the long drives and busy airports. These departures make travel easier and more enjoyable—and our 2026 lineup is one of the most exciting yet.”

Locally sourced food and drink are included on all outbound flights. A continental breakfast is prepared fresh the morning of departure. Spirits and beer are sourced from local distilleries and craft brewers.

On return flights, adult beverages are available for a $5 donation, with all proceeds supporting local causes. Over the past two years, this initiative has raised funds for Hospice Peterborough.

All trips include:

• Round-trip charter flights from Peterborough Airport

• Included parking at the airport

• Fast, hassle-free check-in

• In-flight meals and beverages

• Hotel accommodations and airport transfers in destination

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Peterborough Airport Announces New Acting Manager Effective Friday

Trent Gervais has been named Peterborough Airport’s Acting Manager for the immediate future, effective Friday.

Photo courtesy of the LOomex Group.

He takes over the role of Dustin Gervais, who held the title since July. Dustin had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years prior to taking the airport manager role.

In addition to Esther Juthman’s role as community relations coordinator and safety management coordinator, they are being appointed as the acting assistant airport manager.

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Canadian Flight Academy Named New Tenant for Peterborough Airport

Canadian Flight Academy is the newest tenant at Peterborough Regional Airport, with the company starting construction of a new facility at the airport in 2025.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new flight school will contribute positively to the local economy, generating 50 direct jobs and an estimated $20 million in Gross Domestic Product. The City’s Municipal Operations Department oversees the airport's operation and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition while integrating this new tenant at the airport.

Peterborough Regional Airport will safely integrate the operations of the Canadian Flight Academy into airport activities.

Canadian Flight Academy will enhance Peterborough Regional Airport’s strength as an aviation-related employment hub home to more than 20 businesses that employ about 500 people.

“Attracting this tenant, which is a significant, established employer, is another major milestone for the airport. The Peterborough Regional Airport is much more than transportation infrastructure – it’s a significant employment centre for the broader Peterborough Region,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I’m excited to welcome Canadian Flight Academy to our community and I look forward to celebrating when they complete their new facility.”

Toronto Airways, which started offering flight training services from the Buttonville Municipal Airport near Toronto in 1963, purchased the Oshawa-based Canadian Flight Academy in 1998. It moved into a new facility at the Oshawa airport to accommodate the combined operations of Toronto Airways and Canadian Flight Academy in November 2016.

With the move to Peterborough Regional Airport, Canadian Flight Academy will continue to provide enhanced flight training services and create new opportunities for collaboration within the aviation sector.

Peterborough Regional Airport is an aerospace employment hub for the region serving various industry sectors. The airport's 7,000-foot-long runway and supporting infrastructure have been designed to accommodate Boeing 737 series aircraft.

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Peterborough Airport May See Increased Flight Services Following New Air Traffic Plans

Peterborough Regional Airport’s aviation activity and growth potential has been recognized through NAV CANADA’s Level of Service Study for Peterborough’s airport, with recommendations for NAV CANADA-staffed traffic management to support airplane movements.

File Photo.

The Level of Service Study with its recommendations was posted earlier this week on the NAV CANADA website for a 60-day public review before the recommendations are forwarded to Transport Canada for concurrence.

If Transport Canada supports NAV CANADA’s recommendations, NAV CANADA would implement a new Flight Service Station at the Peterborough Regional Airport according to the City.

“NAV CANADA’s recommendation supports increased activity while monitoring airport movements and enhancing safety,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This direction further supports the long-term strategic growth and will establish the airport as a regional centre of economic growth and prosperity.”

NAV CANADA’s specific recommendations include:

• Implement Airport Advisory Service, Vehicle Control Service and Ground Advisory Service, 15 hours per day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Install an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

• Establish a means of surveillance to approximately 200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) within the 5 nautical miles at the Peterborough Airport and to 1,000 feet AGL within 10 nautical miles of the airport

The public review for NAV CANADA’s air traffic service requirements proposal closes on Feb. 18.

Implementing air traffic services at the Peterborough Regional Airport reflects progress under City Council’s Strategic Plan for a future-ready City with the airport identified in the strategic pillar Growth and Economic Development as a vibrant regional aviation hub.

Peterborough Regional Airport is an aerospace employment hub for the region serving various aerospace industry sectors. The airport is home to over 20 businesses, which employ about 500 people. The airport's 7,000-foot-long runway and supporting infrastructure have been designed to accommodate up to the Boeing 737 series aircraft.

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BST Vacations Announce Destination Lineup For 2025

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has released its lineup of destinations for its 2025 Peterborough Departures program.

File Photo.

All trips will depart from the Peterborough Airport. Travellers will ride on the 737-800 large plane that can hold 189 passengers.

• St. John’s, Nfld.

• Nashville, Tenn.

• Choose your adventure: Six-night Vancouver City Stay or one-night pre-cruise in Vancouver, followed by a 5-night Alaska Sampler Cruise with Princess Cruises

• Choose your adventure: Six-night New Orleans City Stay or 1-night pre-cruise in New Orleans, followed by a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Valor

For their Elevated Escapes smaller group departures, using their private SAAB 340 plane (33 passengers), they will be flying to:

• The Magdalen Islands (two dates)

• Halifax, N.S.

• Charlottetown, P.E.I. - (sold out, waitlist only)

“We put a lot of thought into choosing the destinations for 2025,” said Scott Stewart, BST Vacations president. “We considered feedback from our past passengers and made decisions based on that feedback. We hope our passengers are as excited about these destinations as we are, and we look forward to an amazing season of travel and exploration in 2025.”

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Peterborough Airport Welcomes New Manager

The Peterborough Airport has named Dustin Gervais as the new airport manager.

Photocourtesy of the LOomex Group.

Gervais had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years. He assumed the role on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled that he is taking on this challenge,” according to a press release statement. “Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working with various airports with The Loomex Group and we are excited to welcome him into the Airport Manager role.”

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