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Airbus signs contract to provide 19 H135 military training helicopters to RCAF

Airbus Helicopters signed what it describes as a landmark contract with SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to train the next generation of armed forces pilots. An outline of the deal was announced back on May 29, 2024, when Canada’s Minister of National Defence provided the details of a 25-year, $11.2 billion contract being awarded to SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, for the Future Aircrew Training program (FAcT).

FAcT is part of the largest recapitalization of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) since the Second World War. It will include the acquisition of more than 70 training aircraft in total, split into five fleets. This includes fleets of Grob G120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Beechcraft King Air 260, De Havilland Dash 8-400 and Airbus Helicopters H135 aircraft.

The FAcT contract with Airbus represents 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 in Fort Erie, Ont. Airbus explains 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,” said Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s senior executive. “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.”

SkyAlyne, building a Canadian training solution for the RCAF

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.

“Entering into this partnership with SkyAlyne and the Department of National Defence is a historic moment for Airbus Helicopters in Canada,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, as it celebrates 40 years of operation in the country. “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.”

With more than 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role, the H135 is utilized 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. Described by Airbus as a full-spectrum training aircraft, the H135 facilitates the development of core skills while providing twin-engines and advanced avionics, allowing pilot transition to more complex helicopters in the RCAF’s fleet.

The H135 joins other Airbus aircraft currently operating for 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 in Canada. In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie facility is also the centre 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 10 Airbus locations, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus states its presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than $2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies.