The recipients of the 2026 SkyAlyne-sponsored scholarships are:
Shaylene Abrey-Webster – Toronto Metropolitan University, Aerospace Engineering
Ciara Browne – University of Toronto, Aerospace Engineering
Amelia Chalus – University of Victoria, Aerospace Engineering
Kain Cristofaro – Seneca Polytechnic, Pilot
Connor Ejetsiak – First Nations Technical Institute, Commercial Fixed-Wing Pilot
Sophie Essien – University of Saskatchewan, Avionics Systems Engineering
Dhruv Nikalwala – University of British Columbia Okanagan, Avionics
Norah Petrou – University of Waterloo, Aerospace Engineering
Colin Phillips – First Nations Technical Institute, Commercial Pilot
Jakub Spehar – BCIT, Commercial Aviation
“SkyAlyne is proud to support these students in their pursuit of higher education and careers in aviation and aerospace,” says Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne. “These scholarships are one way we can invest in the communities where we live and operate, while helping to build pathways that can lead to meaningful opportunities in Canada’s aerospace and defence sectors. We congratulate this year’s recipients and wish them continued success in their studies.”
The scholarship initiative reflects a shared commitment by SkyAlyne and the RCAF Foundation to foster greater inclusion and representation in STEM fields, reduce barriers to post-secondary education, and invest in the next generation of talent within communities connected to the FAcT program ecosystem.
SkyAlyne is also committed to working with next generation leaders over the long-term, recognizing that meaningful lasting value stems from being part of a network of organizations and individuals that share common purpose. SkyAlyne is excited to welcome our 10 recipients into this broader network.
SkyAlyne is proud to support the RCAF Foundation on this initiative and looks forward to following the accomplishments of these students as they continue their educational journeys!
Over two weeks in late March and early April, members of SkyAlyne, CAE, KF Aerospace, and Royal Canadian Air Force teams had the opportunity to see vital assets for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in-person, with visits to several aircraft production facilities in Germany and Switzerland, along with attending the Military Flight Training Conference in Switzerland.
The itinerary included meetings and tours with Airbus, Grob, and Pilatus, where three of the aircraft fleets for the FAcT program are currently in production. These visits were very useful and provided a detailed view of manufacturing processes, quality control standards, and program progress at each organization.
At Airbus, in Donauwörth, Germany, the delegation toured production facilities and met with program representatives to review the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) aircraft being delivered as part of FAcT. The visit enabled direct engagement with the supplier while observing progress on the production line, including a test flight of a Juno recently out-of-manufacturing.
Similarly, the visit to Grob, in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, included a walkthrough of the manufacturing facilities, where the CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) is being produced. Important conversations with the supplier also took place, regarding the aircraft on order, including production status and milestones.
At Pilatus, in Stans, Switzerland, the delegation toured production areas and met with the teams to discuss the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) aircraft being procured for the FAcT program. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the build process and engage directly on key aspects of delivery, and included a fly-by demonstration of the aircraft.
Under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) contract, Bell will modernize the RCAF’s CH-146 Griffon Fleet to sustain its capabilities through the 2030s.
MIRABEL, QC, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ – Bell Textron Canada Limited a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the successful first flight of one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s modernized CH-146 Griffon helicopters, a variant of the Bell 412EP, under the Griffon Limited Life Extension (GLLE) project. Under GLLE, Bell will provide aircraft modifications to a series of the fleet’s aeronautical components, including its avionics systems, cockpit displays, engines, and sensor systems. This news comes nearly five months after Bell was awarded the In-Service Support (ISS) contract that is positioned to sustain the Force’s fleet through 2039.
“The Bell 412 remains a venerable aircraft of choice for militaries across the world, with the Royal Canadian Air Force operating the largest and best equipped militarized fleet of 412s,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell. “Bell is honored to continue our relationship with the Royal Canadian Air Force as they expand their mission capabilities with next generation technologies.”
To commemorate this historic flight milestone, Bell hosted an event at Bell’s Commercial Centre of Excellence for attendees to witness the first flight of the upgraded platform.
The Royal Canadian Air Force utilizes their fleet of CH-146 Griffons for a multitude of missions, from the provision of world-wide humanitarian relief in support to the United Nations to the provision of Reassurance measures under NATO. The fleet is also extensively employed in Canada for the provision of Search and Rescue services and support to first responders. Last year, the CH-146 Griffon fleet surpassed half a million flight hours.
“As Canada’s only helicopter manufacturer in-country, Bell is a proud partner of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our facility’s local presence provides us with the ability to work closely with the Canadian government, as well as other local customers to address their aircraft needs”, said Michael Nault, General
Manager, Bell Textron Canada. “The GLLE program will help ensure that the Royal Canadian Air Force is equipped with cutting-edge defense technologies for years to come.”
The first upgraded CH-146 Griffon completed under the GLLE project is expected to be delivered to the Canadian government in 2026 pending military certification.
Founded in 1986 and based in Mirabel, Quebec, Bell Textron Canada Ltd. (BTCL) is focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience and superior service and support for customers around the globe. Represented by more than 1,500 employees and 550 suppliers based from coast to coast to coast, BTCL has built and delivered nearly 6,000 aircraft, with 1,000 provided to Canadian operators. Bell’s Canadian Supply Centre located in Calgary sustains the fleets of local operators including the Canadian Armed Forces, Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Torontonians can sit in an F-18 Pilot’s seat and let their imaginations soar
TORONTO, May 28, 2024 /CNW/ – To celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the RCAF Foundation is collaborating with Union Station and the RCAF on a special F-18 cockpit installation for people to view and sit in the pilot’s seat.
When and Who:
Opening – 11:30 am Join the RCAF Foundation and serving members of the Air Force at the grand opening of the RCAF Centennial cockpit display. Check out 10 giant banners hanging on Union Station, which detail the history of this storied Canadian institution.
Jeremy Diamond, CEO, RCAF Foundation
Mark Regan, Royal Canadian Air Force
Alexa Polenz, Union Station
Open to the public – Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2
Thursday, May 30 – 10:00 am – 19:00 pm Friday, May 31 – 10:00 am – 19:00 pm Saturday, June 1 – 10:00 am – 19:00 pm Sunday, June 2 – 10:00 am – 17:00 pm
Where: In front of Union Station at 55 Front Street West.
Background: People will be able to view, sit in, take photos, and learn more about the RCAF from serving members. Nestled in front of the RCAF Centennial banners commissioned by the RCAF Foundation, this free installation is expected to attract thousands of Torontonians and visitors who will learn more about the past, present, and future of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
About The RCAF Foundation: rcaffoundation.ca The RCAF Foundation’s mission is to recognize, foster and celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the aviation/aerospace sector through community engagement, education programs and commemorative activities. The RCAF Foundation works closely with like-minded organizations to help them further their goals to support the important RCAF legacy, promote Canadian aviation and aerospace as a potential area of study/career path, and develop innovative ways to engage youth to learn about the RCAF.
Exhibit featuring original, First World War-era Curtiss Canuck biplane propeller commemorated in April 2024 to celebrate Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 85th anniversary and RCAF centennial
TORONTO, April 25, 2024 /CNW/ – Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) and RCAF Foundation (RCAF), unveiled a new, permanent exhibit in the airport’s mainland pavilion in commemoration of the RCAF centennial and 85th anniversary of the airport.
Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, speaks at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport following the unveiling of the exhibit. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)(Left to right) Ryan Goldsworthy, Exhibition Curator, RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, RCAF Commander, MP Kevin Vuong, Chief Warrant Officer, RCAF Chief Warrant Officer W.J. Hall, Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport speaks following the unveil of the airport’s new exhibit commemorating the RCAF centennial and 85th anniversary of the airport. (CNW Group/Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport)
The exhibit features an original First World War-era Curtiss JN-4 Canuck biplane propeller and a collection of nine original pilot’s wings badges, representing the evolution of badges worn by Canadian aviators from 1912-present and including the rare Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) wings of the First World War.
The “Canuck”, manufactured by Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd. of Toronto was the Canadian variant of the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, an American/British design. The Canuck was widely used in training by Canadian pilots during the First World War.
Part of the collection of the RCMI museum, these artifacts are now on permanent display at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, next to the airport’s cast bronze statues of First World War flying aces and Victoria Cross recipients William Barker and William Avery “Billy” Bishop – the airport’s namesake.
Established in 1939, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has operated on the Toronto waterfront for 85 years and has strong ties to Canadian military and aviation history. In its early years, from 1939 to 1943, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport served as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces, with neighbouring Little Norway Park named in honour of the Norwegian community that settled around the airport in 1940.
To learn more about the history of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, please view a video of the airport’s journey over the past 85 years, or visit BillyBishopAirport.com to view a timeline featuring archival photos from the PortsToronto collection dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Follow along as we celebrate our 85th anniversary this year, and connect with us on social media at @BBishopAirport or with the hashtag #YTZ85.
Quotes
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s iconic location on the Toronto waterfront was selected in the 1920s by a City-appointed committee led by First World War flying ace, Victoria Cross recipient, and our namesake, William Avery “Billy” Bishop. The airport went on to play an important role in the war effort serving as a training base for Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Force pilots.”
“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s connection to military and aviation history in Canada runs deep, and we are honoured that the Royal Canadian Military Institute recognized this in selecting our airport to host these superb, original First World War-era pieces from their collection. The exhibition unveiled today is a fitting tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s century of aviation excellence in Canada, and underscores Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s important role in the past, present and future of aviation in this country.” – RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
“The story of the Royal Canadian Air Force is one of courage and sacrifice that has shaped our nation’s military history and heritage. As we celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is an honour to be able to unveil this exhibit to commemorate the historical connection the Royal Canadian Air Force has with the Greater Toronto Area which encompasses the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Together, we celebrate our centennial, honour our veterans, and recognize today’s air force personnel, whose dedication and professionalism keep our skies safe.” – Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
“As the exhibition’s curator, I am proud to help commemorate the RCAF’s centennial with PortsToronto through this striking new permanent gallery. The carefully curated and original artifacts within have captured the power and character of Canada’s storied military aviation history. This important exhibit will endure as a testament to the many Canadian air force personnel who have served, and continue to serve, with great courage and distinction – their history and impact will continue to matter.” – Ryan Goldsworthy, Museums Manager, City of Toronto (Former Museum Director & Curator of RCMI)
“Today’s unveiling serves both as a testament to how the long histories of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport are intertwined, and as a reminder that as we move into the future, the past should continue to inform our path forward. The history of the airport, the RCAF, and Toronto is all around us if we take the time to look—from Little Norway Park near the airport and the Daniels Building, formerly Spadina Military Hospital, to ‘Shrapnel Corners’ at Yonge and College, or the early air shows at the CNE where Amelia Earhart developed her love of aviation.
“I encourage everyone to take today’s unveiling as not only an opportunity to learn about the Curtiss JN-4 and its role in Canada’s military history, but also as a jumping off point to learn more about the rich history of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Toronto.” – Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation, owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
“The RCAF Foundation’s mission is to take a past, present, and future look at the Royal Canadian Air Force, aviation, and aerospace in Canada. We aim to share stories of the 100 years of the RCAF, while supporting the next generation of Canadians who plan to enter the sector, and make an important impact in their community and around the world. The exhibit unveiled today at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is a perfect example of the RCAF’s legacy in Canadian aerospace and we were proud to see it shared with the airport’s passengers and community.” – Jeremy Diamond, CEO, RCAF Foundation
About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) Offering service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S., with connection opportunities to more than 100 international destinations via our airlines’ networks, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important international gateway that will offer US Preclearance in 2025. The airport is a key driver to Toronto’s economy, generating more than $2.1 billion in total economic output and supporting 4,450 jobs, including 2,080 directly associated with the airport’s operations. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has served its community for 85 years from its iconic location on the Toronto waterfront, where it facilitates healthcare for Ontarians by providing a base for medevac services connected to local hospitals. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is committed to achieving its vision of cleaner, greener and quieter operations, and is renowned for its unique travel experience, efficiency, and customer service, having won a host of passenger-driven and environmental achievement awards. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto.
About the Royal Canadian Military Institute The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) of Toronto is an independent member-supported organization which, promotes the study and discussion of military history, defence, security and international affairs, along with the operation of its museum, library and archives, for the benefit of its members and the interested public, through the provision of exceptional services within a unique collegial environment. The RCMI maintains one of the finest and largest military history collections in Canada.
About the Royal Canadian Air Force The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is a part of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. It defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace in partnership with the United States. The RCAF also contributes to international peace and security.
About the RCAF Foundation The RCAF Foundation works closely with like-minded organizations to help them further their goals in support of the important Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) legacy, promote Canadian aviation and aerospace as a potential area of study/career path, and develop innovative ways to engage youth to learn about the RCAF. In 2021, the RCAF Foundation embarked on a 10-year horizon to build an enduring platform to fulfil our perpetual mission and to preserve, promote and celebrate the RCAF through community engagement, education programs and commemorative activities. We have been using the 2024 RCAF Centennial as the marquee event to create the ground floor substance for our mission, the momentum for our ongoing community support, and the leadership to sustain our efforts.
November 9, 2023 – Winnipeg – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force will conduct flypasts for numerous Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada throughout the day on Saturday, November 11.
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, along with other ceremonies in the National Capital Region, will feature flypasts by CF-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Flypasts by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft will also take place in the following communities across Canada:
Alberta – Edmonton (CH-146 Griffon).
British Columbia – Ashcroft (CT-155 Hawk); Campbell River (CC-130H Hercules); Comox (CH-149 Cormorant); Courtenay (CH-149 Cormorant); Cumberland (CH-149 Cormorant); Kamloops (CT-155 Hawk); Lantzville (CH-148 Cyclone); Nakusp (CH-146 Griffon); Nanaimo (CP-140 Aurora); New Westminster (CP-140 Aurora); Qualicum Beach (CH-148 Cyclone); Sidney (CH-148 Cyclone); Union Bay (CH-149 Cormorant); Vancouver (CP-140 Aurora); and Westwold (CT-155 Hawk).
Ontario – Arnprior (CH-147F Chinook); Carleton Place (CH-147F Chinook); Hastings (CH-146 Griffon); Ivanhoe (CH-146 Griffon); King City (CC-130J Hercules); Madoc (CH-146 Griffon); Toronto (CC-130H Hercules); and Whitby (CC-130J Hercules).
New Brunswick – McAdam (CH-146 Griffon); Shediac (CP-140 Aurora); and St Andrews (CH-146 Griffon).
Nova Scotia – Bridgewater (CH-149 Cormorant or CC-130H Hercules); Dartmouth (CH-148 Cyclone); Kingston (CP-140 Aurora); Lunenburg (CH-149 Cormorant or CC-130H Hercules); and New Germany (CH-149 Cormorant or CC-130H Hercules).
Québec – Bagotville (CF-18 Hornet); Courcelette (CH-146 Griffon); Montreal (CH-146 Griffon); and Québec City (CH-146 Griffon).
The aircraft will fly over the events at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their routes. Flypasts by Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety, and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.
For details on the Royal Canadian Air Force and our capabilities, please visit the RCAF website.
