Airbus Helicopters Provides H135 Training Equipment to Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies in Canada

Canada – Airbus Helicopters in Canada has announced a partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to provide Airbus H135 helicopter maintenance and avionics training equipment for its Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre in Saskatoon. The contribution will expand practical training opportunities for Indigenous students pursuing careers in aircraft maintenance and aviation technical services.

• The equipment package includes what SIIT describes as Canada's first Helionix Advanced Tool Simulator (HATS) of its kind.
• The donated equipment was previously used to support technician training associated with Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Airbus states that the contribution supports the Government of Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) program, which encourages investments in Canadian industrial capabilities and workforce development.
• SIIT opened its expanded Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre in September 2026, providing additional facilities for aircraft maintenance and avionics instruction. The institution offers two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineer diploma pathways covering mechanical maintenance and Category E avionics training.
• The contribution includes H135 flight control, fuel system, main gearbox and tail unit training equipment. The portable HATS system replicates aspects of the Helionix avionics and cockpit environment, incorporating a troubleshooting simulator and interactive procedure trainer to support practical systems familiarisation and fault-diagnosis exercises for aviation technicians.

Statements

• “Access to this equipment means our students can build their skills with technology connected to the aircraft they may encounter in the industry. We are grateful to Airbus for investing in Indigenous learners with this state-of-the-art technology and helping SIIT create more pathways into aviation careers,” said Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of SIIT.
• “This partnership is about creating lasting capability and opening more pathways into Canada’s aerospace industry. SIIT is doing important work to equip Indigenous learners with the skills and opportunities they need to build successful careers in aerospace, and we are proud to support that work. By bringing H135 training capability to SIIT, we are investing not only in students today, but in the strength and growth of Canada’s aerospace workforce for years to come,” said Dwayne Charette, President, Airbus Helicopters in Canada.

Source: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies / Airbus