On January 21, 2025 SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace took a significant step forward in enhancing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) aircrew training capabilities by securing a contract with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. The agreement involves the purchase of three Dash 8-400 aircraft, aimed at bolstering the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
“SkyAlyne is excited to be able to combine a proven aircraft platform in the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, with our advanced airborne simulation solution for the Future Aircrew Training program. The addition of the Dash 8-400 levels up our training capabilities for AES Op and ACSO Aircrew who will get their Wings in the FAcT program in the years ahead. Selecting a made-in-Canada aircraft is a meaningful contribution to the Canadian economy and a strong signal of our belief in Canadian aerospace excellence. I extend my thanks to everyone at SkyAlyne, KF Aerospace, and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada who worked hard to bring this aircraft to the FAcT program,” expressed Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne.
SkyAlyne, a collaboration between CAE and KF Aerospace, will undertake the conversion of these aircraft to modify their cabins, making them suitable for training Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Op) and Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO).
“We are pleased to be part of the FAcT program. De Havilland Canada has been a part of training aircrews for over 97 years, and we are pleased that our Dash 8-400 aircraft will continue that legacy of training the aircrews of the future using aircraft built to operate in some of the most challenging locations,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
The Dash 8-400, a Canadian-made twin-engine turboprop, is celebrated for its reliability and cost-efficiency. This model builds on the legacy of the Dash 8-100 (CT-142), affectionately known as “Gonzo” due to its distinctive radar-equipped blue nose, which has served the RCAF for over three decades. The new Dash 8-400 aircraft boast enhanced performance, modern avionics, and expanded cabins, which will be instrumental in accommodating SkyAlyne’s cutting-edge airborne simulation training systems.
Incorporating AES Op and ACSO training under the FAcT program marks a progressive shift from the previous model where the RCAF solely conducted this training.
“After years of managing separate RCAF pilot training contracts, the SkyAlyne team is proud to expand our role to include ACSO and AES Op training under the FAcT program. The Canadian-built De Havilland Dash 8-400, with its proven performance, advanced capabilities, and enhanced safety features, is the ideal platform for this next chapter. We thank Canada once again for placing their confidence in us, and we know we’ll deliver exceptional results together,” conveyed Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne, President & CEO, KF Aerospace.
Awarded to SkyAlyne in the spring of 2024, the FAcT program is a 25-year initiative currently in a transitional phase. This program is set to unify the previously separate RCAF training programs into a singular comprehensive training solution. The Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters oversees the program, which operates out of bases in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Southport, Manitoba, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Once operational, the newly acquired Dash 8-400 fleet will be stationed at 402 Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where it will be managed in collaboration with the RCAF.