A man fell to his death from a cherry picker while spraying a Canadian North airplane with de-icing fluid in Calgary on Monday. (CBC)

A worker at the Calgary airport died after falling out of a cherry picker while de-icing an aircraft.

The man fell at about 6 a.m. MT Monday while spraying a Canadian North airplane with de-icing fluid, which removes and protects against ice, frost and snow buildup.

The man, who was in his 30s and working alone, was an employee of Servisair, a provider of aviation ground services. He was declared dead at the scene.

"We don't believe at this point that any passenger that was on that plane witnessed this incident," said Calgary police Duty Insp. Rob Williams. "It was a fellow employee that came to his aid."

Police consider the fall an industrial accident and don't suspect foul play.

City police are assisting federal officials investigating the fatal fall of a worker at the Calgary airport. (CBC)

Because the airport falls under federal jurisdiction, officials from the Human Resources Department are leading the investigation, Williams said.

"It's a terrible tragedy and our heart goes out to the family," said Jody Moseley, a spokeswoman for the Calgary Airport Authority.

Moseley said the airport's safety record has been exceptional.

The employer, Servisair, issued a statement Monday offering sympathy to the man's family and friends.

"Servisair is working with the authorities and regulators on their investigation, as well as conducting our own investigation into this tragic event. Out of respect for the family and friends of the employee we are not providing any further details."