The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program is a next-generation pilot and aircrew training program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). All Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots are currently trained through two contracted programs, managed separately by SkyAlyne’s parent companies.

This program will renew aircrew training services to help maintain a multi-purpose and combat capable air force. It will include delivery of pilot training, as well as aircrew training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators.

This program is seeking to establish a comprehensive aircrew training program that provides aircraft, simulators, civilian instructors and classroom training systems, as well as other essential services, such as aircraft and airfield maintenance, accommodation, and food services.

Evaluation of proposals concluded on June 30, 2023, and a preferred bidder was selected.

The Contracted Flying Training and Support  (CFTS) program in Southport, MB, is led by KF Aerospace and the NATO Flying Training in Canada  (NFTC) program in Moose Jaw, SK/Cold Lake, AB, is managed by Montreal-based CAE.

As these programs approach their designated completion dates, the Department of National Defence (DND) has determined the next contracted program will combine all phases of pilot training, together with Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op) training, currently provided by the military in Winnipeg, MB. This combined aircrew training service contract is called the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program, and will be delivered by SkyAlyne.

The Government of Canada provided the RFP to qualified suppliers on February 11, 2022, and the RFP closed on January 5, 2023. Bid evaluation concluded on June 30, 2023, with a preferred bidder, SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership, selected.

Following an open, fair and transparent procurement process with extensive industry engagement and Indigenous participation, the Government of Canada has identified SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership as the preferred bidder to provide a comprehensive aircrew training program to help maintain a multi-purpose and combat-capable air force.

While this represents a significant milestone in the competitive process, Canada will continue to work with SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership, in addition to preparations for the transition process from the existing contracts to the FAcT Program. During this time, SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership must remain compliant with the requirements of the solicitation process.

The identification of the preferred bidder follows a rigorous bid evaluation process. To ensure the fairness and integrity of this procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) engaged the services of an independent fairness monitor to oversee the process, including the upcoming discussions with SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership.

The contract award is anticipated in 2024 and work will begin immediately following the contract award.

FAcT H135 aircraft

CAE signed a 25-year sub-contract valued at approximately $1.7 billion from SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the RCAF with modern, state-of-the-art pilot training, supporting the (FAcT) program.

As part of this sub-contract, CAE will initially develop and deliver a range of simulators and training devices to be installed in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and at Southport, Manitoba for the various aircraft fleets being procured for the RCAF under the FAcT program. These training devices are expected to be delivered over the next 5 years.

In addition to this initial approximately $1.7 billion sub-contract, CAE is also expected to sign a follow-on order in the near term involving sustainment-related in-service support services.

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace are pleased to jointly announce the successful signing of the 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, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, for the FAcT program, secures production slots with aircraft deliveries beginning in mid-2026. This marks the first time that Airbus helicopters will fly as part of the Canadian Armed Forces. The H135 is the ideal rotary-wing training aircraft for the RCAF, with a well-earned reputation with global customers for performance, endurance, and cost-effective operations. 

SkyAlyne announced the successful signing of a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for the FAcT)program.

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace are pleased to jointly announce the successful signing of the purchase agreement with Pilatus to acquire 19 state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

FAcT PC-21 aircraft

CGI, one of the world’s largest independent information technology (IT) and management consulting services firms, and SkyAlyne, a leading provider of training programs for Canada’s military pilots and aircrew, have announced the signing of a 25-year agreement. CGI’s extensive consulting and IT expertise will help SkyAlyne reimagine aircrew training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

SkyAlyne inks Bluedrop Training & Simulation in support of RCAF’s FAcT program. The 25-year contract confirms Bluedrop’s support of SkyAlyne in delivering the FAcT program. Bluedrop’s contributions to SkyAlyne in this contract includes provision and configuring of software components, development and continuous improvement of courseware in Moose Jaw and Southport, and providing maintenance technicians in Moose Jaw.

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace announced the signing of a purchase contract with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada to acquire three Dash 8-400 aircraft for the FAcT program.

SkyAlyne and Team SkyAlyne shareholders and major subcontractors, KF Aerospace and CAE, awarded contracts to Textron Aviation in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

ADDITIONAL INFO

RCAF and Team SkyAlyne visit Airbus, Grob and Pilatus
SkyAlyne Secures 23 Grob G 120TP Aircraft for RCAF’s FAcT Program
SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace to acquire 19 Airbus H135 for FAcT program
Pilatus contracted by SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace to deliver 19 PC-21 aircraft for FAcT Program
SkyAlyne and RCAF Begin CT-102B Astra II Flying Ops