New fleet of training aircraft destined for Moose Jaw, SkyAlyne confirms

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have confirmed the signing of a purchase agreement with Swiss aerospace manufacturer Pilatus for 19 PC-21 training aircraft, which will be based at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw alongside 23 Grob G 120TP airframes. 

The Grob airframes will serve as the basic flight training vehicles for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. The PC-21s will serve as advanced fixed-wing training aircraft. The contract includes Pilatus supplying supporting equipment, including mission planning and debriefing systems, and training materials. 

“The PC-21 really is the ideal advanced trainer for the Air Force and we at SkyAlyne are excited to be deploying it as part of the FAcT program,” said Harrison Ruess, SkyAlyne’s head of communications. 

“It’s state-of-the-art, it’s utilized by several other militaries, and undoubtedly it’s going to serve Canada well for many years to come.” 

The 25-year FAcT program contract was awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024 and is currently in a five-year transition period to become the sole pilot and aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the three current 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 was formed through a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, which in turn are SkyAlyne’s major subcontractors. 

Tracy Medve, board chair of SkyAlyne and president/CEO of KF Aerospace, said “The PC-21 is one of the world’s most capable and reliable training aircraft, expertly built and supported by Pilatus. Its versatility allows it to serve in a dual role as both a general advanced live flying trainer and in advanced jet training, which provides Canada with excellent value and offers a unique advantage for the FAcT program. We’re thrilled to partner with Pilatus to deliver this exceptional platform for Canada’s next generation of aircrew training.” 

The 23 Grob aircraft were confirmed on Nov. 19. The Grob G 120TPs are an upgraded version of the Grob G 120As, which are currently in use by KF Aerospace and the RCAF for military pilot training. The TP variant features updated avionics, higher performance, and a more powerful turboprop engine. 

“Part of the Future Aircrew Training program includes infrastructure construction for new facilities to support the new fleet of aircraft that are coming,” explained Ruess. “Right now, we’re in the design phase of the infrastructure work, and working diligently on that, with construction activities aiming to begin in the next 12 to 18 months on the base at 15 Wing.” 

Grob G 120TP Hero A in the air (courtesy SkyAlyne)