SkyAlyne and its key partners, KF Aerospace and CAE, have finalized purchase agreements with Textron Aviation to support the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Under the newly signed contracts, Textron Aviation will supply SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace with seven Beechcraft King Air 260 aircraft. Additionally, to enhance ground-based training capabilities, SkyAlyne and CAE have arranged for Textron Aviation to provide essential components for a full-flight simulator and various flight training devices, which will be developed by CAE.
“I’m excited to see the Beechcraft King Air 260s as part of the FAcT fleet. These twin-engine turboprop aircraft deliver versatility, high performance, efficiency, and advanced avionics – all essential ingredients for effective Pilot and Aircrew training. Likewise, advanced simulation equipment creates new possibilities for improved Pilot and Aircrew training efficiency and effectiveness. My thanks to the teams at SkyAlyne, CAE, KF Aerospace, and Textron Aviation for their hard work in support of the FAcT program,” expressed Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne.
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is set to replace the long-serving King Air 90B as the primary multi-engine trainer within the FAcT program. Since 2005, the King Air 90B has been a cornerstone of the RCAF’s training fleet, but the updated King Air 260 will now take over multi-engine pilot training at Southport, Manitoba. This transition is part of a broader modernization effort led by SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace in collaboration with the RCAF.
“Acquiring the Beechcraft King Air 260 for FAcT reinforces our commitment to providing outstanding military pilot training with proven, high-performing aircraft at Southport. KF Aerospace has been proud to operate and maintain the King Air C90B for nearly 20 years as part of the current training program and we’ve built a strong foundation of expertise on this airframe. Bringing in the larger and more advanced King Air 260 will enable KF, our partners at SkyAlyne and the RCAF to deliver next-level multi-engine training under the FAcT program,” said Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne, President & CEO, KF Aerospace.
The FAcT program will incorporate cutting-edge Ground-Based Training Systems (GBTS), including full-motion simulators, virtual reality training tools, cockpit trainers, and desktop-based systems. These advanced training resources will be deployed across multiple operational sites by Team SkyAlyne, with CAE playing a key role in delivering the GBTS technology. The shift toward more immersive and technology-driven training methods aims to enhance both efficiency and effectiveness in pilot and aircrew instruction.
“CAE’s innovative simulation-based training systems for multiple platforms, including the Beechcraft King Air 260, are critical to the FAcT program. For more than 75 years, CAE’s integrated simulation and training technologies have significantly contributed to the safety and mission readiness of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Through our unmatched innovation and expertise, our team is proud to continue to provide an enhanced training environment for the next generation of RCAF Pilots and Aircrew,” commented France Hébert, Board President, SkyAlyne, Vice-President and General Manager Defense & Security, Canada, CAE Inc.
SkyAlyne was awarded the 25-year FAcT contract in the spring of 2024 and is currently navigating a multi-year transition phase. Once fully implemented, the program will consolidate three separate RCAF training initiatives into a single, streamlined system. The oversight of the FAcT program is managed from SkyAlyne’s Joint Management Office in Ottawa, while operational training takes place at three key locations: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Southport, Manitoba; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“The Beechcraft King Air 260 will modernize multi-engine aircraft training by providing an intermediate and advanced training platform for RCAF Pilots destined for operational squadrons in the heavy transport, maritime patrol or search and rescue roles. Following the U.S. Navy order, this consolidates the King Air 260 as the military multi-engine trainer for many generations of aspiring pilots,” explained Bob Gibbs, Vice President, Special Missions Sales, Textron Aviation.
As part of Team SkyAlyne’s collaborative approach with the RCAF, additional training services will be delivered by KF Aerospace and CAE. In Moose Jaw, CAE will oversee training operations for aircraft and simulators in partnership with the RCAF. Meanwhile, KF Aerospace will lead training efforts for aircraft and simulator fleets stationed at Southport, ensuring a cohesive and effective pilot development process.
The first deliveries of the King Air 260 aircraft for the FAcT program are expected to commence in the first half of 2028, marking a key milestone in Canada’s commitment to advancing military aviation training.