New Helicopters Enhance Future Training for RCAF
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SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have jointly signed a purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters in Canada to acquire 19 advanced Airbus H135 helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
The contract, executed by KF Aerospace on behalf of SkyAlyne for the FAcT program, secures production slots with aircraft deliveries beginning in mid-2026.
Based in Fort Erie, Ontario, Airbus Helicopters in Canada manufactures components for Airbus’ global supply chains locally. Additionally, the H135s being acquired by SkyAlyne for the RCAF will be completed in Canada at the Fort Erie facility.
Featuring twin-engines, Airbus’ most advanced avionics, and versatile configurations, SkyAlyne believes the H135 will be a cornerstone of the RCAF rotary-wing fleet for decades to come. The H135 is currently in use by 12 other militaries, including in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.
When operational, Canada’s H135 fleet will be operated jointly with the RCAF and based at 15 Wing’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, located at Southport Aerospace Centre in Southport, MB.
“From the outset, we recognized the pivotal role that selecting the right aircraft would play in ensuring the long-term success of the FAcT program. With the Airbus H135, we’re confident in a choice that meets both the RCAF’s stringent training requirements for rotary-wing pilot training and our commitment to operational excellence,” said Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne, President & CEO, KF Aerospace.
“These aircraft will be the first Airbus helicopters to join the Canadian military fleet, which is a milestone achievement that reinforces our deep commitment to providing helicopters that save lives and protect citizens,” said Dwayne Charette, President, Airbus Helicopters in Canada.
