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KF Aerospace gets new RCAF SAR deals

The first contract, valued at $21.8 million, is for maintaining the Royal Canadian Air Force’s six CC-115 Buffalo search and rescue aircraft for three years, with the option of extending the contract for another year.

The Buffalo planes are based out of Comox and serve in B.C. and the Arctic.

“This maintenance contract will ensure that the Buffalos are sustained until replacement aircraft are in place and fully operational,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of employment, workforce development and labour.

A fleet of new search and rescue aircraft will replace the Buffalos in 2021.

The second contract, valued at $9.6 million, is for maintaining the RCAF’s four CC-138 Twin Otter aircraft for four years, with the possibility of four one-year extensions.

The Twin Otter utility transport planes are based out of Yellowknife, primarily serving the territories.

The contracts cover ongoing life-cycle management, inspections, repairs, painting, modification and engineering services, as well as the supply of spare parts. Both contracts were initially awarded to KF Aerospace, formerly Kelowna Flightcraft, in 2009. The previous contracts expired in March of this year and were put up for bid again by the federal government.

“It was a very competitive process,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr. “It shows the level of confidence the government of Canada has in this company.”

RCAF has been pleased with the work of Kelowna Aerospace workers during the previous contracts, said Col. Martin Breton, director of sustainment programs for the RCAF’s air mobility fleet.

“We know they’ll continue to do a good job for us.”

Troy Jaggard, program co-ordinator and planner for the military aircraft maintenance program, was one of the employees hired when Kelowna Flightcraft was awarded the contract in 2009.

There are currently around 40 people employed to maintain the Buffalos and Twin Otter aircraft, he said.

“It’s very good work.”