
Kelowna’s KF Aerospace will be part of a bid to train the Royal Canadian Air Force.
It’s a contract that will be at least 20 years long and be valued in the billions of dollars, making it one of the most significant service contracts ever awarded by the Department of National Defence.
KF Aerospace and CAE are the parent companies of SkyAlyne, which will be the actual company bidding on the Future Aircrew Training Program contract. The program will combine all RCAF pilots, air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators under one umbrella.
“SkyAlyne is ready to leverage the world-leading capabilities from two Canadian-founded companies in CAE and KF Aerospace,” SkyAlyne president France Hébert said in a press release. “With our full team of strategic partners and our experience in successfully delivering both current RCAF programs—as well as similar programs around the world—SkyAlyne will offer the RCAF an innovative, world-class training solution.”
Bidders for the contract will be evaluated based on their technical abilities and ability to deliver maximum value to Canada while enhancing Canadian supply chains, key industrial capabilities and Indigenous participation.
KF Aerospace and CAE currently provide the RCAF with pilot training and support via two separate contracted programs located in Southport, Man., and Moose Jaw, Sask., and Cold Lake, Alta., respectively.