The Canadian government has awarded a contract for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to SkyAlyne: a partnership between Canadian aerospace companies CAE and KF Aerospace. SkyAlyne announced it had secured the programme on 29 May 2024.
The FAcT contract, which has a value of CAD 11.2 billion (EUR 7.55 billion), is set to last 25 years and reimagine RCAF training, consolidating three aircrew training operations under SkyAlyne and Canada’s joint management.
SkyAlyne was chosen to be the FAcT contractor after a competitive selection process. CAE and KF Aerospace – the current incumbents of legacy RCAF pilot training programmes in Canada – joined to form SkyAlyne to provide a ‘made-in-Canada’ solution for the FAcT programme.
“This program is a significant step forward to prepare Canadian military pilots, air combat systems officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators for tomorrow’s challenges,” SkyAlyne stated in a press release. “Under the FAcT Program SkyAlyne – in collaboration with the RCAF – will design, develop, and deliver a comprehensive training and support system, including live flying, simulation, ground school training, and a suite of in-service support functions. Fittingly coinciding with the RCAF’s 100th anniversary, the FAcT Program is the next symbol of Canada’s proud history of excellence in military aircrew training.”
Centrally managed from Ottawa, the FAcT programme will revamp and expand upon training services currently provided by KF Aerospace and CAE, with operations set to continue at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Southport (Portage la Prairie) and 17 Wing Winnipeg. The programme includes the establishment of a complete training enterprise at all three operating locations, helping ensure the RCAF maintains the highest standards of excellence and innovation.
CAE has delivered the NATO Flight Training in Canada (NFTC) as the prime contractor of a co-operative operation with the RCAF since 2015 out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw and 4 Wing Cold Lake.
KF Aerospace, meanwhile, is Canada’s largest commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider. Since 2005 KF Aerospace has led a group of partner contractors to provide selection, basic and advanced pilot training and in-service support for the RCAF out of its facilities in Southport, Manitoba.
In its press release SkyAlyne noted that the contract FAcT aligns with Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and Value Proposition, requiring investments in Canada equal to the contract value. The partnership said it is committed to investing in Canadian industry and the inclusion of an extensive Indigenous Participation Plan.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted by Canada to lead the FAcT Program: a role that speaks volumes about our team’s relentless effort and expertise,” France Hébert, president of SkyAlyne and vice president of defence and security at CAE Canada, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to deliver top-tier training solutions that align with the dynamic needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is a milestone moment for us and all the companies on the SkyAlyne Team, highlighting our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.”
