Ottawa, Canada — SkyAlyne and Canadian Base Operators (CBO) are announcing the signing of an agreement to support the full duration of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. SkyAlyne, a partnership between Canadian defence and aviation leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, was contracted by the Government of Canada in 2024 to partner with the RCAF and deliver the 25-year FAcT program. SkyAlyne is ramping up to execute the program.

“SkyAlyne is building an entirely new, advanced Pilot and Aircrew training solution for the RCAF from the ground up. As the existing training programs near end of life, this is a generational opportunity to shape the future of military aircrew training in Canada,” commented SkyAlyne’s General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “To successfully accomplish our mission, it takes the best pan-Canadian team possible. CBO will be a significant asset to SkyAlyne and the FAcT program.”

Having worked on the current RCAF Pilot and Aircrew training programs, CBO brings significant experience to the FAcT program. CBO’s expertise includes airfield surface maintenance, airfield lighting and navaids, Air Traffic Control, meteorological services, snow removal, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and facility management and support services (including accommodations, food services, infrastructure maintenance and repair). In support of FAcT, CBO will be delivering a range of site services and facility management to support operations at Southport, MB and Winnipeg, MB.

“This new contract ensures continuous employment for CBO in Southport, MB, for the next 25 years, which is fantastic news and enhances our joint venture affiliation with two Indigenous Nations,” explains Mike Peckham, General Manager of CBO. “With our extensive experience in airfield maintenance, Air Traffic Control, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, and facility management — gained through years of supporting the RCAF’s existing training programs — we’re proud to deliver critical site services and operational support to the Future Aircrew Training program at Southport and Winnipeg.”

The FAcT program is currently in a multi-year transition period to become the sole ab initio Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the current three separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT. The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

“SkyAlyne is truly Canadian – headquartered in Canada with Canadian ownership. Our team is working hard every day to ensure the RCAF has the best trained military Pilots and Aircrew in the world, and the spinoff economic benefits stay in the hands of Canadians,” concluded Lemke.

About SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Pilots and Aircrew as the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defence leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In spring 2024, SkyAlyne was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.

Canadian Base Operators
CBO is a Canadian company, headquartered in Collingwood, Ontario operating across Canada providing Airside & Groundside & Operation services to Oil & Gas, Transportation & the Canadian Forces since 1995. CBO is an affiliate of Black & McDonald Ltd., who provide Construction, Utility, Service, Maintenance & Operations for the Canadian Armed Forces since 1972.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne