Job seekers who think a career in the aerospace sector means flying planes or working as flight attendants or baggage handlers or air traffic control crew will be surprised to learn the extent of employment opportunities that are actually available, some of which don’t even require aviation education or experience.
“We have a full pipeline of work and are looking to employ workers from a diverse set of industries to strengthen our workforce,” explains Kate Ahrens, who manages community and government relations for Flying Colours Corp. “Many of the skills we seek are transferable from other industries, such as the automotive trade, interior decorating, boat fitting, woodworking, and construction fields. For some roles, we are not looking for experience, just willingness to join a dynamic business.”
Flying Colours Corp. is one of the 22 businesses operating out of the Peterborough Airport and specializes in maintaining, refurbishing, and overhauling (MRO) business jets. The magic happens in spacious hangars large enough to house Airbus A220 or Boeing 737 aircraft types. It requires a diverse range of skills, including repairing, restoring and upgrading cabinetry and soft furnishings, cabin installation, and quality paint finishing. For those plying their trade at Flying Colours, no two days are the same.
“The aircraft we work on fly a varied set of passengers,” Ahrens says. “The aircraft are used by captains of industry to keep their businesses growing, music stars and sports celebrities to enable their demanding schedules, and government leaders needing to fulfill complex itineraries in the shortest time possible. Our work contributes to driving the global economy, keeping us entertained, and forging and maintaining international relationships.”
This international influence originates in the variety of jobs available to those seeking work in the aerospace sector. Recent graduates, skilled craftspeople, or those willing to learn new skills in a highly buoyant industry that spans the globe could all be qualified to join Flying Colours.
“We’re aware that too often those seeking work think that aviation employment is limited to pilots, flight attendants, baggage handling, or air traffic control — the complete opposite is true,” Ahrens explains. “If you can think of a career outside of aviation, there will certainly be an equivalent within the sector.”
Ahrens says Flying Colours recruits are well-paid and have the option to follow defined career progression paths. Some roles require specialist knowledge, but an aviation background is not an essential requirement, as the company looks for enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn when recruiting.
“The potential is limitless,” Ahrens says. “We understand that our workforce needs to be stimulated and rewarded, and we aim to promote from within as we develop career trajectories. We think it’s important to encourage career growth and are always willing to support a colleague who is keen to evolve.”
According to Ahrens, evidence of this commitment is demonstrated by the longevity of Flying Colours employees — many of whom have worked at the facility for more than 10 years, with some celebrating more than 30 years of employment.
Ahrens says Flying Colours’ central location in Peterborough was “integral” to the developments and accomplishments of the business. Today, the company’s facility boasts three dedicated paint shops, avionics workshops, four maintenance hangars, a design centre, and dedicated cabinetry and upholstery workshops.
“We’ve evolved in tandem with the airport and work closely together to make it a successful proposition,” Ahrens notes.
As the Peterborough Airport has continued to grow since the launch of the airport development program in 2010, more and more businesses have joined the local aerospace sector, doubling the number of jobs from 251 to more than 500.
“Peterborough is an ideal location for the aerospace sector due to several strategic advantages,” says Kyle Bruce, the Manager of Airport Administration at the Peterborough Airport. “Firstly, its proximity to major urban centres like Toronto and Ottawa makes it accessible, yet removed from the congestion and high operational costs associated with larger airports. This balance provides a more cost-effective and efficient environment for aerospace businesses.”
“For visitors to YPQ, it’s effortless to fly in, have a meeting, and fly back out in a day,” Ahrens says. “There aren’t the same limitations as at busy hub airports, which streamlines our business and makes us more efficient.”
“The presence of a vibrant business hub at the Peterborough Airport stimulates the local economy, encouraging the development of ancillary services,” says Bruce. “This economic growth translates into a broader range of employment opportunities and supports overall career progression across different industries.”
Ahrens points out that Flying Colours provides employment directly to hundreds of residents and, by extension, to suppliers, shops, hotels, real estate, and more.
“It all adds to the local economy,” she adds.
“We started as a family business, and that family culture remains today and has contributed to our success. This is why we value our team so much. They have helped us develop our reputation for high-quality work, an innovative spirit, and a strong collaborative culture.”.
This has not gone unnoticed by the industry. In 2023, the company joined the Flexjet family, one of the world’s leading private aviation companies with more than 2,200 employees worldwide, 12 business divisions, and a fleet of over 250 aircraft that regularly need MRO services. Integrating with Flexjet brings many new opportunities, translating into more jobs in Peterborough while ensuring Flying Colour’s longevity and sustainability.
“We are part of an incredibly exciting sector — aerospace is buzzing right now,” Ahrens says. “Every day brings new opportunities, ideas, and thoughts, which is why we source the best workforce possible to support us and the global business aviation industry. It makes Flying Colours such a dynamic, interesting, and attractive workplace.”
For more information about Flying Colours Corp., visit www.flyingcolourscorp.com.
Explore more employment opportunities at the Peterborough Airport at peterborough.ca/en/doing-business/airport-services.aspx.
This supplied branded editorial is one of a series published in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
