Fort Erie, Canada, November 4, 2024 – Airbus Helicopters has signed a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defense leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to train the next generation of RCAF Pilots. The contract is part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program and marks the first time that Airbus helicopters will fly as part of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The twin-engine helicopters will be completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ industrial facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. They will be customized with a number of Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates, including modifications to the avionics suite and communications systems, as well as custom development in the cockpit. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
“SkyAlyne is excited at the successful conclusion of negotiations between our partners at KF Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters in Canada, and we extend our gratitude to everyone involved. Securing the Airbus H135 fleet for the RCAF is an important milestone for SkyAlyne and the FAcT program as it solidifies a core element of the program schedule,” commented Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s senior executive. “The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs.”
“Entering into this partnership with SkyAlyne and the Department of National Defense is a historic moment for Airbus Helicopters in Canada. We thank the Royal Canadian Air Force for placing their trust in Airbus and the H135, joining 12 other militaries around the world that employ the twin-engine H135 to train future aviators,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ successful entry into the Canadian military market. As we celebrate 40 years of serving Canadian customers locally, we are honored to contribute to the safety of Canadians for many years to come.”
The agreement consists of H135 aircraft acquisition and a support and services package, support for the development of a Ground-Based Training Solution, and advanced engineering support for the release to service.
With more than 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role, the H135 is used for basic ab-initio, advanced IFR and tactical training, with operators including several of Canada’s close military allies such as Australia and the UK. A full spectrum training aircraft, the H135 facilitates the development of core skills while providing twin-engines and advanced avionics, allowing easy and safe pilot transition to more complex helicopters in the RCAF’s fleet. It joins other Airbus aircraft currently operating for Canadian defense, such as the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher).
Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters to Canada. In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie facility is also the center of excellence for light single gearboxes, and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe.
In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten Airbus locations, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defense and space sectors. Airbus’ presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies.
Airbus signs landmark contract to supply 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force
Fort Erie, Canada, November 4, 2024 – Airbus Helicopters has signed a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to supply 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to train the next generation of RCAF pilots. This contract is part of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program and marks the first use of Airbus helicopters by the Canadian military.
The twin-engine helicopters will be assembled and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Fort Erie, Ontario. The aircraft will be equipped with several supplemental type certificates developed in Canada, including avionics system modifications tailored to military helicopters, communications systems, and special cockpit amenities. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
“SkyAlyne is pleased to sign this new partnership with KF Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters in Canada and would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in this transaction. The addition of this new Airbus H135 fleet for the RCAF represents a significant milestone for SkyAlyne and the FAcT program, reinforcing a key component of the program’s timeline,” said Kevin Lemke, Managing Director at SkyAlyne. “The selection of Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art H135 makes a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. SkyAlyne is proud to develop a world-class program for RCAF pilot and aircrew training, while supporting jobs in Canada.”
“This first partnership with SkyAlyne and National Defence is a historic moment for Airbus Helicopters in Canada. We thank the Royal Canadian Air Force for its confidence in Airbus and the H135. The Canadian military joins 12 other militaries around the world using the twin-engine H135 to train the pilots of tomorrow,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “This contract also marks Airbus Helicopters’ entry into the Canadian military market. As we celebrate 40 years of service in Canada, we are honoured to contribute to the safety of Canadians for many years to come.”
The agreement includes the acquisition of 19 H135 aircraft, a support and maintenance service, as well as support for the development of a ground training solution and advanced engineering support for the commissioning of the aircraft.
With over 400,000 hours of dedicated military training missions, the H135 is used for ab-initio basic training, advanced tactics and instrument flight training by several of Canada’s military allies, such as Australia and the United Kingdom. Dedicated entirely to training, the H135 fosters the development of fundamental skills with its twin engines and advanced avionics, enabling a smooth and safe transition to more complex helicopters within the RCAF fleet. These helicopters join Airbus aircraft currently in service with Canadian defence, such as the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher).
Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters to Canada. As of 2023, the 760-strong Airbus Helicopters fleet in Canada has logged more than 275,000 flight hours in Canada. The Fort Erie site is also the centre of excellence for light single-engine helicopter gearboxes and the single source for critical composite parts supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the world.
In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten sites and in Airbus offices and subsidiaries covering the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus’ presence in Canada contributes to the creation of approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates revenues of more than CAD$2 billion annually for more than 850 Canadian companies.
