Market Intelligence: North America

SkyAlyne, a CAE Partnership, Awarded Contract Valued at $11.2 Billion for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training Program

The Government of Canada has awarded a landmark contract for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program to SkyAlyne. This transformative initiative, set to last 25 years with a value of $11.2 billion, reimagines training for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), consolidating three aircrew training operations under SkyAlyne and Canada’s joint management.

SkyAlyne, a partnership between Canadian aerospace leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, was chosen to be the FAcT contractor after a rigorous selection process. CAE and KF Aerospace – the current incumbents of legacy RCAF pilot training programs in Canada – joined to form SkyAlyne to provide a made-in-Canada solution for the FAcT Program.

This program is a significant step forward to prepare Canadian Military Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators for tomorrow’s challenges. Under the FAcT Program, SkyAlyne – in collaboration with the RCAF – will design, develop, and deliver a comprehensive training and support system, including live flying, simulation, ground school training, and a suite of in-service support functions. Fittingly coinciding with the RCAF’s 100th anniversary, the FAcT Program is the next symbol of Canada’s proud history of excellence in military aircrew training.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted by Canada to lead the FAcT Program, a role that speaks volumes about our team’s relentless effort and expertise,” France Hébert, President of SkyAlyne and Vice President of Defense & Security at CAE Canada. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to deliver top-tier training solutions that align with the dynamic needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is a milestone moment for us and all the companies on the SkyAlyne Team, highlighting our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.”

Tracy Medve, Chair of the SkyAlyne Board and President & CEO of KF Aerospace, adds: “The vision for FAcT represents a unified effort from Canada’s finest minds and organizations. We’re geared up to bring this vision to life with our truly Canadian expertise, working closely with Canada and the RCAF to usher in a new era of aircrew training. Our focus is beyond meeting today’s standards but shaping the future of aircrew readiness, creating new jobs and opportunities in communities across Canada.”

Centrally managed from Ottawa, the FAcT Program will revamp and expand upon training services currently provided by KF Aerospace and CAE, with operations set to continue at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Southport (Portage la Prairie) and 17 Wing Winnipeg. The program includes the establishment of a complete training enterprise at all three operating locations, helping ensure the RCAF maintains the highest standards of excellence and innovation.

This contract also aligns with Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and Value Proposition, requiring investments in Canada equal to the contract value. SkyAlyne is committed to investing in Canadian industry and the inclusion of an extensive Indigenous Participation Plan.

“With a shared focus on innovation and excellence, we’re poised to transform aircrew training not just for Canada, but globally,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne. “This program is our pledge to help advance Canada’s military readiness to unprecedented levels.”

About SkyAyne
Truly Canadian Training | SkyAlyne brings together two Canadian companies with unmatched experience and capabilities in delivering innovative pilot and aircrew training in Canada. Currently, CAE and KF Aerospace deliver all phases of pilot training to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) through the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program managed by CAE, and the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program managed by KF Aerospace.

About Future Aircrew Training (FAcT)
The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program combines all Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot training with aircrew support training.

Source: SkyAlyne
Photo Credit: SkyAlyne

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Texas Based US Aviation Group Received Contract from University to Commence New Flight Training Program in Fall of 2024

United States – The Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Board of Regents has approved a significant contract with U.S. Aviation Group LLC, signaling the commencement of TWU’s new flight training program this fall (2024).

The partnership with U.S. Aviation Group, which operates its main U.S. Aviation Academy campus at Denton Enterprise Airport, will enable TWU students to begin their flight training in the upcoming academic year. Interim Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, O. Finley Graves, expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, “We’re going to be flying this fall. Kids in airplanes!”

The announcement was met with applause from the regents and cheers from students and faculty at the TWU Dallas campus. The program has been bolstered by a $15 million donation from the Doswell Foundation, which established the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for women and women of color in the aviation industry, aligning with the broader industry’s need for qualified pilots.

J. Clint Grant, the director of TWU’s new aeronautical school, highlighted the advantages of partnering with U.S. Aviation Academy , noting their convenient location and their 141 air agency certificate. A significant benefit of this collaboration is U.S. Aviation’s “self-examining authority,” allowing students to receive their pilot’s license directly upon course completion without needing an FAA checkride, saving time and costs.

TWU will handle ground training and classroom instruction, while U.S. Aviation Academy will conduct flight training. The initial contract spans two years, with an option for extension, and will start with 30 flight slots for the inaugural class. Costs for the program are estimated at $1.3 million annually.

Plans include painting training aircraft in TWU colors and featuring the TWU owl on the tails. The program is set to launch in fall 2024, pending final preparations.

TWU Regent Bernadette Coleman sees this partnership as a big step forward for both the university and the local community.

Source: TWU

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US Flight Training Group Phoenix East Aviation Hosts Regional Airline in May 2024

Florida, United States-based flight training group Phoenix East Aviation (PEA), which announced in March 2024 that has modernized its Piper Senecas fleet, welcomed United States based regional airline PSA Airlines to its campus. Two PSA pilots presented details about their cadet program and the airline to the students. They also hosted an open forum, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to network and ask questions directly, gaining firsthand insights into the aviation industry.

Daytona Beach, Florida, United States based Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) has been providing flight training for over 50 years. Its main campus is located at Daytona Beach International Airport, a Satellite facility in Ft Lauderdale where they are the flight training provider for Broward College, and an Auxiliary training facility in Flagler Beach that specializes in accelerated training. PEA is equipped with over 70 aircraft.

Source: Phoenix East Aviation
Photo Credit: Phoenix East Aviation

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US Aviation and Pilot Training Group Epic Flight Academy Expand Fleet with New Piper Seminole Aircraft in May 2024

Florida, United States headquartered flight and aircraft maintenance training group Epic Flight Academy has shared that it took delivery of a new Piper Seminole aircraft in May 2024. It was a special moment for Epic Flight Academy as when they picked up the aircraft from the factory they reconnected with Ashley Howard a graduate of Epic’s aircraft mechanic program who now works at Piper Aircraft.

Epic Flight Academy has been growing its fleet over the last year as in April 2023 it placed an order for 15 Cessna 172 with Textron Aviation, receiving 6 new aircraft in December 2023.

Established in 1999 by CEO Danny Perna, Epic offers Part 141 pilot training and Part 147 aircraft mechanic training. Epic’s main flight training campus is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with satellite flight training locations in Ocala and Tallahassee. Epic has trained thousands of pilots now flying for 300+ airlines.

Source: Epic Flight Academy
Photo Credit: Epic Flight Academy

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Flight Training Financing Provider Stratus Financial to Provide Student Financing Solution for Wayman Aviation Academy

Stratus Financial and Wayman Aviation Academy have joined forces in a dynamic partnership aimed at empowering aspiring pilots with comprehensive financial solutions. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in propelling aviation dreams into flight-ready realities.

In this collaborative venture, Stratus Financial will harness its specialized knowledge in student pilot financial services to deliver customized financing solutions tailored specifically for Wayman Aviation Academy’s students. This strategic alliance stands at the forefront of transforming the aviation landscape, providing unmatched assistance to individuals as they pursue their love for aviation.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Wayman Aviation Academy,” said Brandon Martini, COO of Stratus Financial. “By combining our financial expertise with Wayman’s renowned pilot training programs, we are empowering aspiring pilots to turn their dreams into reality.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Stratus Financial to enhance the educational experience for our students,” said Shuya Huang, Vice President of Business Development at Wayman Aviation Academy. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and empowering the next generation of aviation professionals.”

This partnership underscores the commitment of both Stratus Financial and Wayman Aviation Academy to provide exceptional resources and support to their clients. Together, they are poised to redefine the aviation landscape and inspire a new generation of pilots.

About Wayman Aviation Academy
Wayman Aviation Academy is a premier flight school in Miami, Florida, specializing in comprehensive pilot training programs. With over three decades of experience, Wayman Aviation Academy is known for its accelerated pilot training, enabling students to achieve their professional pilot licenses in as little as 10 months.

About Stratus Financial

Established in 2020, Stratus Financial is dedicated to providing student loans and financial services to aspiring student pilots. With a team of FAA-Certified Flight and Ground Instructors, Stratus Financial is committed to supporting pilots at every stage of their journey.

Source: Stratus Financial
Photo Credit: Wayman Aviation Academy

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Global Flight Training Group AeroGuard Announces Up to $42,500 in Tuition Reimbursements for Partner Airline Program

Phoenix, United States headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which operates a number of flight training bases in the United States has shared that its US students can now receive up to $42,500 in Tuition Reimbursements to help fund their training, thanks to a new agreement with SkyWest Airlines and lending partner Pilot Access Loan.

While all AeroGuard SkyWest Cadets are eligible to receive a $17,500 Tuition Reimbursement following completion of I.O.E., an additional $25,000 Tuition Reimbursement is also available after 1600 Hours P.I.C. with SkyWest (approximately two years as a SkyWest Captain) for those using an eligible Pilot Access Loan to fund their AeroGuard training. This totals $42,500 in Tuition Reimbursements that can pay for almost half of a student’s training just within the first few years of their career.

The $25,000 Tuition Reimbursement will be available from SkyWest for Cadets that are establishing a new loan with Pilot Access Loan, sign up to the SkyWest Pathway Program, and stay with the Cadet Program from start to finish, following two years as a Captain or 1,600 hours of P.I.C. time at SkyWest Airlines

Tuition Reimbursement will vary based on the loan amount as follows:

  • $60,000 – $79,999 = $15,000 Tuition Reimbursement
  • $80,000 – $99,999 = $20,000 Tuition Reimbursement
  • $100,000 and above = $25,000 Tuition Reimbursement

While this SkyWest Tuition Reimbursement of up to $25,000 is only available for Cadets using the Pilot Access Loan program, AeroGuard does also partner with several other lending partners to help make flight training more accessible, making your goals to become a pilot possible.

All AeroGuard cadets training in SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program will have a direct path to a job as a First Officer with SkyWest with a Guaranteed Interview. If selected by SkyWest, you’ll continue to enjoy tremendous access and opportunity, including pathways to its major partners: Delta, United and Alaska Airlines.

Source: AeroGuard
Photo Credit: AeroGuard

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