Canada is stepping into a new era of military aviation training with a significant milestone achieved by SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace. On November 28, 2024, the two organizations revealed the completion of an agreement with Pilatus to procure 19 cutting-edge Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft. These state-of-the-art planes are set to play a central role in the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
“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. The aircraft is state-of-the-art and utilized by several other militaries, and it will undoubtedly serve Canada well in the years ahead. At SkyAlyne we are very grateful for the diligent work done by our partners at KF Aerospace and Pilatus to successfully conclude negotiations on our behalf. SkyAlyne is continuing our work to ensure the RCAF has the best-trained pilots in the world,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne.
KF Aerospace, serving as a primary subcontractor to SkyAlyne for the FAcT initiative, has secured production slots for the aircraft, with deliveries anticipated to commence in late 2026. Beyond the planes themselves, Pilatus will provide essential auxiliary resources such as mission planning tools, debriefing systems, and comprehensive training materials.
The Pilatus PC-21 is no stranger to international acclaim. With approximately 250 units already in use across prominent air forces, including those of Switzerland, Spain, and Australia, this two-seater aircraft is renowned for its advanced avionics, superior fuel efficiency, and top-tier training capabilities. Its robust design makes it an excellent choice to anchor advanced fixed-wing pilot instruction under the FAcT program.
“The PC-21 is one of the world’s most capable and reliable training aircraft, expertly built and supported by Pilatus. Its versatility allows it to serve in a dual role as both a general advanced live flying trainer and in advanced jet training, which provides Canada with excellent value and offers a unique advantage for the FAcT program. We’re thrilled to partner with Pilatus to deliver this exceptional platform for Canada’s next generation of aircrew training,” explained Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne, President & CEO, KF Aerospace.
SkyAlyne’s FAcT program, a 25-year endeavor awarded in spring 2024, is currently in a transition phase set to last five years. Once fully operational, it will consolidate three separate RCAF training programs into one unified framework. The program is managed from SkyAlyne’s headquarters in Ottawa, supported by three key operational hubs in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Southport, Manitoba; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“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 support. We‘d like to thank everyone for their confidence in Pilatus and the PC-21, our Next Generation Trainer made in Switzerland,” expressed Markus Bucher, CEO, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
The newly acquired PC-21 aircraft will be stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in southern Saskatchewan. Here, the RCAF will operate them in partnership with Team SkyAlyne. Instruction at Moose Jaw will be overseen by SkyAlyne alongside the RCAF, with CAE providing on-the-ground training services. Similarly, Southport’s training operations will see KF Aerospace collaborating with SkyAlyne and the RCAF to deliver comprehensive pilot instruction.
As Canada prepares for the arrival of the PC-21 fleet, the FAcT program marks a transformative step forward, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing world-class aviators through cutting-edge training solutions.
