SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace Enhance RCAF Training with Dash 8-400 Aircraft
OTTAWA and KELOWNA, CANADA // JANUARY 21, 2025 – In a strategic move to bolster the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have announced the signing of a purchase contract with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. This agreement will see the acquisition of three Dash 8-400 aircraft, tailored for training Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Op) and Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO).
SkyAlyne, a collaboration between CAE and KF Aerospace, plans to convert these aircraft to enhance cabin facilities to support extensive training operations. The Dash 8-400, a popular twin-engine turboprop, demonstrates reliable and cost-effective performance, making it an ideal choice for the RCAF’s contemporary training needs. This model, with its higher performance and advanced avionics, comes as a replacement for the older Dash 8-100 (CT-142), known as “Gonzo,” which has served the RCAF for three decades.
The integration of AES Op and ACSO training under the FAcT umbrella represents an evolution in the current training paradigm, previously managed solely by the RCAF. The expanded role of SkyAlyne propels its mission to drive excellence in Canadian aircrew training.
The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in 2024, marks a significant transition as it consolidates previously separate RCAF training programs into a unified system. Operated from SkyAlyne’s headquarters in Ottawa, the program functions with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.
- Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne: “This collaboration with De Havilland Canada demonstrates our commitment to Canadian aerospace excellence and enhances our training capabilities for future RCAF aircrew.”
- Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne and President & CEO, KF Aerospace: “Expanding our role to include ACSO and AES Op training reflects our ongoing partnership with the RCAF, bolstered by the proven Dash 8-400 platform.”
- Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada: “The Dash 8-400 joins our legacy of aircrew training aircraft, embodying our tradition of reliability and performance in challenging environments.”
SkyAlyne was formed as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace in 2018, securing its position as a leader in aircrew training for the RCAF. With expertise in aerospace and defense, SkyAlyne was selected as the primary contractor for the FAcT program in 2023.
KF Aerospace is recognized for its dominance in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. Founded in 1970, KF Aerospace is a keystone in Canadian aerospace, supporting a broad range of clients, including the RCAF.
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