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SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace acquire three De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft for RCAF Aircrew training

SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace on January 21 announced the signing of a purchase contract with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada to acquire three Dash 8-400 aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.

SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, explains it will convert the twin-engine turboprop aircraft to adapt the cabins to support training operations for Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Op) and Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO).

“SkyAlyne is excited to be able to combine a proven aircraft platform in the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, with our advanced airborne simulation solution for the Future Aircrew Training program,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne. “The addition of the Dash 8-400 levels up our training capabilities for AES Op and ACSO Aircrew who will get their Wings in the FAcT program in the years ahead. Selecting a made-in-Canada aircraft is a meaningful contribution to the Canadian economy and a strong signal of our belief in Canadian aerospace excellence.”

The previous generation Dash 8-100 (CT-142), nicknamed “Gonzo” for its blue nose housing its radar, has been in use by the RCAF for more than 30 years. SkyAlyne explains the Dash 8-400s being acquired feature higher performance, updated avionics, and larger cabins to facilitate SkyAlyne’s advanced airborne simulation training systems.

Bringing AES Op and ACSO training within the FAcT umbrella is also an evolution on the current training program, explains SkyAlyne. Previously, training for those aircrew were conducted exclusively by the RCAF.

The 25-year FAcT program, awarded to SkyAlyne in spring 2024, is currently in a multi-year transition period to become the sole pilot and aircrew training program for the RCAF, as the current three separate RCAF training programs conclude, and their responsibilities are combined into FAcT.

“After years of managing separate RCAF pilot training contracts, the SkyAlyne team is proud to expand our role to include ACSO and AES Op training under the FAcT program,” Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne, and President and CEO, KF Aerospace. “The Canadian-built De Havilland Dash 8-400, with its proven performance, advanced capabilities, and enhanced safety features, is the ideal platform for this next chapter.”

The FAcT program is overseen from a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, SK, Southport, MB, and Winnipeg, MB.

When operational, Canada’s Dash 8-400 fleet will be based at 402 Squadron in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and operated in partnership with the RCAF.

“De Havilland Canada has been a part of training aircrews for over 97 years and we are pleased that our Dash 8-400 aircraft will continue that legacy of training the aircrews of the future using aircraft built to operate in some of the most challenging locations,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.