BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA

Voyageur Aviation is a prominent player in the aerospace sector and has been making significant strides in supporting military programs and the defence industry. With a strong focus on the modification of special mission aircraft and providing comprehensive In-Service Support (ISS) and full lifecycle management, Voyageur Aviation is well-positioned to play a crucial role in enhancing defence capabilities globally and within Canada as it plans to leverage its capabilities to support military operations and strengthen industry partnerships in the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and ISS sectors.

DIVERSIFIED DEFENCE

Voyageur Aviation has established itself as a versatile provider of aviation solutions for defence and government programs. The company’s expertise in modifying aircraft for unique missions has been a cornerstone of its success. Voyageur’s capabilities extend across a diverse range of defence and government applications, including ISR, air ambulance, and disaster relief. By tailoring its services to meet the specific needs of various clients, Voyageur has demonstrated a commitment in delivering customized solutions that address the evolving demands of the defence and government sector.

A key aspect of Voyageur Aviation’s offering is its comprehensive In-Service Support and lifecycle management for aircraft. The company provides full lifecycle support for their fleet flight operations within Africa, the Middle East, and North America. This includes logistics, maintenance, and technical support, ensuring that these aircraft remain operationally effective in diverse and often challenging environments.

One of Voyageur’s unique ISS programs is its support with the British Antarctic Survey. Voyageur maintains a Dash-7 aircraft used by the British Antarctic Survey for crucial missions in one of the world’s most harsh environments. This collaboration underscores Voyageur’s ability to develop and maintain special mission platforms that can withstand extreme conditions while delivering exceptional performance and in-service support in challenging environments.

Voyageur’s commitment to in-service support is exemplified by its work at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, where the company has established a comprehensive  ISS team for a new fleet of ISR aircraft. By maintaining and supporting a Royal Canadian Air Force fleet at this strategic location, Voyageur Aviation is contributing to the operational readiness and capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces in Canada as well as on deployed operations. This program serves as a foundation for the company’s ambitions in the ISR sector, where it aims to expand its influence and capabilities.

“We strongly believe that the ISR world, and that community, is an area that we see ourselves playing a major role in, either as a Prime in Canada, or as a partner, particularly in the ISS space,” said Carl Kumpic, VP of Defence and Government Programs at Voyageur Aviation.

Voyageur is keenly focused on enhancing its services in the ISR and ISS sectors, particularly through the development of industry partnerships. The company recognizes the growing importance of unmanned platforms in future defence and government operations and is open to collaborating with select industry players to provide collaborative and comprehensive solutions.

In the ISR sector, Voyageur aims to leverage its ISS experience in support of both manned and unmanned platforms. By developing partnerships with technology providers and defence contractors, Voyageur aims to enhance its ability to deliver high-quality ISR services that meet the evolving needs of military and government clients. This strategic approach positions Voyageur Aviation as a key player in the ISR domain, capable of providing tailored solutions that address specific mission requirements.

AIRCRAFT MODIFICATION

Voyageur Aviation’s expertise in aircraft modification is a critical component of its service offering. The company has embarked on innovative design modifications for various aircraft types to meet the demands of specialized missions. One of the standout projects in this area is the development of an aircraft based on the venerable Dash-8 platform. This modified aircraft is designed to perform various missions for disaster relief operations, demonstrating Voyageur’s ability to create platforms that are versatile and adaptable.

“It’s a unique opportunity that we’re chasing that will address a different niche,” Kumpic told CDR. “We’re working with partners, suppliers, and customers, and we’re coming up with new innovative designs that have not been trialed before. It really speaks to the innovation side of Voyageur.”

This project highlights Voyageur’s commitment to innovation and its ability to respond to emerging needs in the defence and government sectors. As a Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO), Voyageur is able to leverage its engineering and modification expertise to deliver innovative solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and deliver mission success.

In addition to its work in the defence sector, Voyageur also plays a vital role in providing dedicated air ambulance services. The company is the fixed-wing provider of air ambulance services for the province of New Brunswick. This essential service ensures that patients in critical condition can be transported quickly and safely to medical facilities, underscoring Voyageur’s ability to support public services and emergency response.

Voyageur Aviation’s air ambulance fleet in New Brunswick is set to expand with the addition of a third aircraft, further enhancing the company’s capacity to deliver life-saving services. This expansion reflects Voyageur’s ability to scale its operations to meet growing demand.

“There is great diversity to the scope of work we are able to do,” said Kumpic. “For the government of New Brunswick, we’re not only adding an aircraft, but we’re providing the crew and facilities — we’re providing a full turn-key solution for the province of New Brunswick to ensure effective and safe patient transfer services.”

PARTNERSHIPS

A key aspect of Voyageur Aviation’s strategy is building comprehensive capability and delivery performance through partnerships. Voyageur brings extensive aircraft modification, certification and airworthiness experience as well as flight operations and ISS services that can provide competitive solutions that address the full spectrum of client needs.

Voyageur’s focus on partnerships is particularly evident in its efforts to expand its ISR and ISS capabilities. “We seek partnerships that can leverage Voyageur’s unique strengths to deliver integrated services that support complex missions,” said Kumpic.

Voyageur Aviation is building its support on military programs and the defence industry at large through its diversified work in defence and government programs. The company’s expertise in modifying aircraft to provide new capability to operate on unique missions, as well as providing comprehensive in-service support, make it a key player in the defence and aerospace sector. With a strong focus on expanding its ISR and ISS capabilities through industry partnerships and global ISS, Voyageur is poised to play a major role in the defence industry’s future within Canada and  worldwide.

Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Aviation Editor