MOOSE JAW — A month after purchasing new helicopters to support a futuristic training program for the Royal Canadian Air Force, that same company has purchased new planes that will be stationed in Moose Jaw.
SkyAlyne, which is comprised of aviation companies CAE Inc. and KF Aerospace, announced recently that it signed a purchase agreement with Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. to purchase 19 PC-21 training aircraft for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training Program (FAcT).
The contract, which British Columbia-based KF Aerospace signed as the major subcontractor for SkyAlyne, guarantees production slots for aircraft that should start arriving in mid-2026, the company said in a news release. The contract will also see Pilatus supplying supporting equipment, including mission planning and briefing systems and training materials.
SkyAlyne bought 19 H135 helicopters in early November from Airbus Helicopters.
“The Pilatus PC-21 is the ideal advanced trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and SkyAlyne is excited to deploy it as part of the FAcT program,” said Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s general manager.
“The aircraft is state-of-the-art and (used) by several other militaries, and it will undoubtedly serve Canada well in the years ahead.”
SkyAlyne was grateful for the diligent work that KF Aerospace and Pilatus put into negotiating the contract, while the company would continue its work to ensure the RCAF had the best-trained pilots in the world, Lemke added.
Pilatus has already supplied around 250 PC-21s to air forces in Switzerland, Spain, Australia and elsewhere. The versatile, two-seat planes boast top-of-the-line equipment, including avionics, fuel efficiency, performance and training capabilities. These attributes make the plan an ideal platform to buttress advanced fixed-wing flying training for RCAF pilots in the FAcT program.
“We’re very much looking forward to working with our partners SkyAlyne, KF Aerospace and CAE. We can assure everyone of our commitment to providing Canada with the best training system and the best possible customer service,” said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their confidence in Pilatus and the PC-21, our next-generation trainer made in Switzerland.”
The $11.2-billion, 25-year FAcT program is in a five-year transition period as it works to become the sole pilot and aircrew training program for the RCAF while the other three separate training programs conclude, the company said.
SkyAlyne’s joint management office is overseeing the program from its headquarters in Ottawa, while the operational bases will be at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Southport, Man., and Winnipeg.
When operational, Canada’s PC-21 fleet will be housed in Moose Jaw and operated with the RCAF.
“The PC-21 is one of the world’s most capable and reliable training aircraft, expertly built and supported by Pilatus,” said Tracy Medve, board chair of SkyAlyne and president/CEO of KF Aerospace.
The plane’s versatility allows it to serve as a general advanced live flying trainer and in advanced jet training, which gives Canada excellent value and offers a special advantage for the FAcT program, she continued.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Pilatus to deliver this exceptional platform for Canada’s next generation of aircrew training,” Medve added.
SkyAlyne will lead all instruction activities for aircraft fleets in Moose Jaw in partnership with the RCAF, while CAE will deliver the activities as the other major subcontractor, the company added.
