OTTAWA, CANADA // November 19, 2024– Today SkyAlyne is pleased to announce the successful signing of a contract with Grob Aircraft SE to acquire 23 Grob G 120TP aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
The Grob G 120TP is an upgraded version of the Grob G 120A, which is currently in use by the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program, operated by KF Aerospace and the RCAF for RCAF Pilot training. The TP variant features updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful turboprop engine.
“The new Grob G 120TP will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft for the FAcT program, which means every RCAF Pilot who gets their wings will begin their flying training on this aircraft. Selecting the right aircraft for this role is tremendously significant to ensure that RCAF pilots have the best foundation to build upon,” explained SkyAlyne’s senior executive, Kevin Lemke. “Together with our partners across Team SkyAlyne, we are dedicated to building a world-leading pilot and aircrew solution for the RCAF. We are honoured each and every day to be entrusted to partner with the RCAF to deliver the FAcT program.”
The signing of the purchase agreement between SkyAlyne and Grob Aircraft confirms production slots and manufacturing schedule. Factory acceptance of aircraft is expected to begin in August 2025.
The Grob G 120TP is currently in use by numerous other militaries, including Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In total, over 200 Grob G 120TPs have been delivered worldwide to-date.
The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are merged 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.
When operational, SkyAlyne will manage and maintain the fleet while providing instructors to serve alongside RCAF instructional personnel. The Grob fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
ABOUT
SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force. SkyAlyne is a team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. 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 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.
Learn more: SkyAlyne.ca
