December 2, 2025 // OTTAWA and TORONTO, CANADA — Serco, a provider of professional, technology, engineering, and management services, and SkyAlyne, the provider of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, jointly announced today that Serco has been named a key subcontractor on FAcT. The Government of Canada officially awarded the FAcT contract to SkyAlyne, a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, in late May 2024. This significant 25-year initiative is currently in a multi-year transition period to become the sole Pilot and Aircrew ab-initio training program for the RCAF, as three separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT. FAcT modernizes and enhances Pilot and Aircrew training, ensuring the next generation of RCAF aviators are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Serco will provide critical training enablers, including air navigation services, air traffic control, site services, facility maintenance and management, and site security. Leveraging its extensive experience in training and facility and asset management, including the deployment of Serco Edge, a computerized facility management system, the Company will ensure continued efficient and reliable operations at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and Southport and 17 Wing Winnipeg. Additionally, Serco’s considerable experience as part of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program at 15 Wing Moose Jaw will support a seamless transition to the FAcT program.

This partnership builds upon Serco’s long-standing commitment to delivering mission-critical services for government clients, including its involvement in Canadian military training since 1998. As a subcontractor to SkyAlyne, Serco reinforces its position as a trusted provider of comprehensive training solutions, whether as a prime contractor or a valuable partner.

“We are excited to announce our role with SkyAlyne and contribute to the success of the FAcT program,” said Natasha McLean, Managing Director at Serco in Canada. “Our deep understanding of RCAF training requirements, site services and facility management will ensure a robust and resilient training environment for Canada’s future aviators. This contract aligns with our mission to deliver essential services.”

Serco’s contributions will support SkyAlyne’s efforts to achieve initial operating capabilities, ensuring a seamless transition from the existing programs. This collaboration underscores Serco’s commitment to providing world-class support and enabling the RCAF to maintain its operational excellence.

“At SkyAlyne we are proud to be building a world-class team to deliver the FAcT program, and we’re excited that Serco will be part of the effort,” commented SkyAlyne’s General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “In a rapidly changing global environment, we must ensure the RCAF has the best training system for Canada’s military Pilots and Aircrew; FAcT will ensure we do.”

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.

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.

Learn more: SkyAlyne.ca

Serco
Serco is a leading provider of professional, technology, engineering, and management services. We advise, design, integrate, and deliver solutions that transform how clients achieve their missions. Our customer-first approach, robust portfolio of services, and global experience enable us to respond with solutions that achieve outcomes with value. In Canada, Serco has approximately 1,400 employees. Our parent company, Serco Group plc, is a $5 billion international business that helps transform government and public services around the world. More information about Serco can be found at www.serco.com/ca.

27 November 2025 – Earlier this month, a major manufacturing milestone took place at the Pilatus Aircraft facility: the first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CT-157 Siskin II got its wings. More formally, this milestone is known as “wing mating” and occurs when an aircraft fuselage is attached to its wings.

Known globally as the Pilatus PC-21, in the RCAF this aircraft will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Fixed Wing & Jet platform in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Pilatus has supplied approximately 250 PC-21s to several air force customers, including the Swiss Air Force, the Spanish Air Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force, among others.

The versatile, two-seat aircraft boasts leading avionics, fuel efficiency, performance, and training capabilities, including being powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turbine engine, with 1600 shaft horsepower. This makes it the ideal platform to underpin advanced fixed-wing flying training for RCAF Pilots in the FAcT program.

The first deliveries to the RCAF are expected in the second half of 2026.

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25 November 2025

In October, members of SkyAlyne, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Government of Canada, and Airbus gathered at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Donauwörth, Germany. Together, the teams inspected the first assembled CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135), destined for RCAF use in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Inspections and tests for the aircraft have proceeded well, as expected.

With manufacturing activities on this aircraft in Germany accepted and complete, it is now in transit to Airbus Helicopters in Canada’s facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. Upon arrival in Fort Erie, the aircraft will undergo final completion activities, which includes installation of Canadian-developed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) elements, painting of the RCAF Reflect Forward livery, and final testing prior to delivery.

In the FAcT program, the CT-153 Juno will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing platform, meaning all RCAF pilots in the FAcT program will train on this aircraft. In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 of these aircraft for the RCAF from Airbus Helicopters in Canada.

The CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) is a twin-engine helicopter, powered by two full authority digital engine control (FADEC)-equipped Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 206B3 powerplants. The aircraft has a well-earned reputation with previous customers for performance, endurance, and cost-effective operations. The H135 is currently in use by 12 other militaries, including in Australia and the United Kingdom, where it is similarly known as the Juno in the RAAF and RAF.

SkyAlyne is proud to contribute to economic activity in Canada through the purchase of this aircraft and associated completion work that will take place in Fort Erie. In addition to work in support of FAcT, Airbus Helicopters in Canada manufactures components for Airbus’ global supply chains and supports a fleet of about 830 helicopters flown by more than 230 operators across Canada. The facility in Fort Erie is also an Airbus Helicopters Centre of Excellence in composite manufacturing and is the sole supplier of composite parts for eight Airbus Helicopters models globally.

Deliveries to the RCAF are expected to begin in mid-2026.

21 November 2025

SkyAlyne is happy to join with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in celebrating RCAF acceptance of the first four CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) aircraft into the RCAF fleet at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. These aircraft will support ongoing development of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, including instructor training, lesson plan development, evaluation, and testing, and support ongoing proficiency for both RCAF and civilian instructors.

The acceptance activities, including inspections and test flights, were carried out at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK. The successful delivery to the RCAF by SkyAlyne builds on other events this year with these aircraft, including the ‘Welcome to Canada’ ceremony and display at AeroGatineau Ottawa in Gatineau, QC in September, and Factory Acceptance activities at Grob Aircraft’s facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany in August.

The CT-102B’s role in the FAcT program will be as the Basic Flying Training aircraft, which means all FAcT program student pilots will begin their training on this platform. The CT-102B is fully aerobatic and boasts a Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, which produces up to 456 shaft horsepower. Combined with an all-glass cockpit and highly responsive controls, the result is a highly capable aircraft.

The FAcT program includes 71 aircraft spread across five fleets; this includes 23 CT-102Bs making up the Astra II fleet. The CT102Bs will be operated and maintained locally in Moose Jaw by CAE. CAE, along with KF Aerospace, are SkyAlyne’s Joint Venture partners. CAE is the lead operator at Moose Jaw, while KF Aerospace is the lead operator at Southport, MB.

On November 17 the fifth CT-102B arrived at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and acceptance activities will begin in the coming days. Additional deliveries will resume in 2026, when North Atlantic weather conditions again permit safe ferry flights from Europe.

September 18, 2025

The first production test flights of the Airbus H135 helicopters that will serve in Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program have successfully taken place. The flights, which typically lasted approximately one hour, included comprehensive mechanical and avionics testing to ensure a smooth flight and optimal system performance.

Chosen by SkyAlyne as the rotary-wing training platform for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), these twin-engine H135s will prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots for the missions of tomorrow. Within the RCAF, H135s are known as the CT-153 Juno.

Canada’s CT-153 Junos will undergo final completion – including paint and installation of a number of Canadian developed supplemental type certificates (STCs) – in Canada at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Fort Erie, Ontario.

“By operating twin-engines from the outset of training, future RCAF pilots will be immersed in a real-world environment that matches the current operational fleet, ensuring a seamless transition to their first operational units,” commented SkyAlyne’s Head of Training, David Farman. “With Airbus’ Helionix avionics system, which is standard on twin-engine platforms, trainees will gain experience with advanced digital cockpits, a step forward from the analog systems in the current training fleet.”

A milestone in the progression of the program, these first flights mark another step closer to delivering a modern, comprehensive training capability; ensuring that the pilots who protect Canada’s skies, safeguard communities, and serve on missions at home and abroad are trained with the very best technology for generations to come.

Airbus Helicopters in Canada in Fort Erie, Ontario. Canada’s H135s will undergo final completion – including paint and installation of a number of Canadian developed supplemental type certificates (STCs) – in Canada at this facility.

September 3, 2025

SkyAlyne is excited to share that the first two CT-102B (Grob G 120TP) aircraft, destined for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will be on static display during the Aero Gatineau Ottawa air show, September 12-13-14, 2025, in Gatineau, QC.

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Grob Aircraft recently completed the aircraft manufacturing at their facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany and SkyAlyne subsequently completed factory acceptance activities. The aircraft will now undertake a trans-Atlantic ferry flight from Germany to their eventual home at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

“The stars have aligned such that the two newest aircraft destined for service in the RCAF will be en route to Moose Jaw from Germany, at just the right moment to allow us to invite the public to come see them in-person at Aero Gatineau Ottawa,” explained Harrison Ruess, SkyAlyne’s Head of Communications, Collaboration and Stakeholder Relations. “SkyAlyne is eager to support the RCAF in public engagement opportunities and demonstrate the new capabilities the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program will provide.”

When in service in the RCAF, the CT-102B Astra II will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft. This means all RCAF pilot trainees in the FAcT program will begin their flying careers on this platform. The two-seater aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, which produces up to 456 shaft horsepower. Paired with a typical operating weight in the range of approximately only 1,500kg, the result is a highly capable and responsive aircraft.

In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 23 new Grob G 120TP aircraft for the RCAF and the FAcT program, with nine expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. Upon their arrival in Canada, the aircraft will be used to support continued development of the all-new FAcT capabilities, including ongoing development of lesson plans, courseware, instructor training, and other test and evaluation activities. These activities are expected to span the coming two-to-three years.

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.

Upon conclusion of Aero Gatineau Ottawa, the first two CT-102Bs will continue the journey to Moose Jaw and final delivery to the RCAF.

Public tickets to Aero Gatineau Ottawa are available for purchase through the air show online. Tickets are available online only; there are no sales on-site.

Members of the Media wishing to attend the air show should gain credentials through the Aero Gatineau Ottawa media page contacts.

August 29, 2025 // Ottawa, Canada — SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, is excited to announce successful completion of Factory Acceptance activities associated with the manufacturing of the first two Grob G 120TP aircraft, designated the CT-102B Astra II in Canada, which will be delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for use in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The aircraft are manufactured by Grob Aircraft in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany.

“The completion of manufacturing and acceptance of the first two aircraft, which SkyAlyne will provide to the RCAF for the FAcT program, is a major milestone for the program,” commented SkyAlyne General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “This is a supremely capable aircraft, far exceeding the capabilities of the aircraft it is replacing. It will become a key contributor to the FAcT program, and the RCAF’s renewed aircrew training capability.”

Once in service with the RCAF, the CT-102B Astra II will serve as the Basic Flying Training aircraft – meaning all pilot trainees in the FAcT program will begin their flying careers on this platform. The two-seater aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, which produces up to 456 shaft horsepower. Paired with a typical operating weight in the range of a mere 1,500kg, the result is a highly capable and responsive aerobatic aircraft.

Canada’s CT-102Bs will be registered by the Department of National Defence and loaned to SkyAlyne as the operator. The fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Pilot training will be conducted on the aircraft in partnership between SkyAlyne and the RCAF.

In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 23 new Grob G 120TP aircraft for the RCAF and the FAcT program. Upon their arrival in Canada, the aircraft will be used to support continued development of the all-new FAcT capabilities, including ongoing courseware development, instructor training, initial training program field trials, and other test and evaluation activities.

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.

“I extend my thanks to the team at Grob Aircraft for their ongoing hard work and craftsmanship, in producing this exceptional aircraft,” concluded Lemke. “We can’t wait to see them flying in Canada.”

The first two Grob G 120TPs / CT-102Bs are expected to arrive in Canada in mid-September, following a trans-Atlantic ferry flight. The aircraft will subsequently transit to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK to complete delivery to the RCAF.

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.

On 24 July, the first production test flight of the first CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) destined for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) took place at the Grob Aircraft facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. The successful flight lasted approximately 30 minutes.

“The CT-102B is a very impressive aircraft to operate, and its capabilities greatly exceed the current piston-powered CT-102As that are in service in Canada,” commented SkyAlyne’s Chief Pilot, Michel “Savvy” Savard. “The CT-102B will be an impressive upgrade that introduces new capabilities into the Basic Flying Training element of the new Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.”

The initial 24 July flight profile included functional testing of the engine, aircraft systems and flight controls that is a routine part of Grob Aircraft’s manufacturing and delivery process. The aircraft performed well, as expected. Future test flights will confirm the performance of the aircraft in wider operating envelopes.

The RCAF CT-102Bs are powered by the Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, which produces up to 456 shaft horsepower. Paired with a typical operating weight in the range of approximately only 1,400kg, the result is a highly capable and responsive aerobatic aircraft.

Lyle Fair, Head of Aircraft Acquisition for SkyAlyne, confirmed the first two CT-102Bs are expected to arrive in Canada in September: “The excitement is building to have these aircraft on Canadian soil. The whole team is eager for their delivery to the RCAF.”

Upon their arrival in Canada, the aircraft will be delivered to the RCAF to support the ongoing development of the FAcT program – an effort that is expected to span the coming two-to-three years. The FAcT program represents a renewal of the entire ab-initio training ecosystem for the RCAF. This includes new aircraft, new simulation systems, new lesson plans and courseware, new infrastructure, new IM/IT systems, and more.

Canada’s CT-102Bs will be DND-registered aircraft, loaned to SkyAlyne as the operator and based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Pilot training will be conducted on the aircraft in partnership between SkyAlyne and the RCAF.

On May 28, 2025, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander, Lieutenant General Eric Kenny, unveiled the RCAF liveries (paint schemes) and designations for the fleets of aircraft that will be serving with the RCAF in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

The names and liveries for the new FAcT fleets pay tribute to the 101-year history of the RCAF, while reflecting a forward-looking vision for Canada’s modern Air Force. The approach to naming and painting FAcT aircraft was thematic. Given that 2024 marked both the RCAF Centennial and the kickoff of the FAcT program, Canada’s Air Force is taking the opportunity to commemorate 100+ years of RCAF flight operations and training history, while we also stepping into the next generation of military aircrew training in Canada.

About the ‘Reflect Forward’ livery

Each aircraft will bear a colour scheme that is primarily two colours: yellow, to reflect the historical ‘training yellow’ of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircraft that dominated Canadian skies from 1940 to 1945, and dark blue to reflect the modern colours of today’s trainers and Air Force.

There is also a white and red line, symbolizing Canada’s national flag, binds the colours together— this stripe being reminiscent of the RCAF’s ‘Lightning Bolt’ worn by various aircraft since 1948.

Together, these colours pay tribute to our successful historic training initiatives and Canada’s continuation of excellence in aircrew training as the RCAF looks to the next one hundred years. This combination of honouring our history, while advancing into the future is what drove the name of the livery: Reflect Forward.

It’s also very important that each time a RCAF student aircrew step into one of these aircraft, they understand the significance of what it means: they are joining an institution with a very proud history and a bright future.

There is also a very practical reason for this two-tone livery: the dark blue, when used in conjunction with the high visibility yellow provides contrast against a variety of terrains and weather conditions, making it easier for pilots to see other aircraft in the sky and against the ground, especially when flying over summer prairie terrain and in winter conditions when snow is on the ground. In other words, this is an important blend of form and function, where visibility is chiefly important for training aircraft.

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OTTAWA, CANADA // APRIL 1, 2025 — Today 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.

Learn more: SkyAlyne.ca

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.

Learn more: CanadianBaseOperators.com