Quantcast

Canada selects Swiss-made trainer aircraft for RCAF modernization effort

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
Canada selects Swiss-made trainer aircraft for RCAF modernization effort
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

Canada has decided to acquire 19 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from Switzerland as part of its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The PC-21 is designed to accommodate training needs from initial flight instruction through to preparation for fighter jet operations. Pilatus highlights the superior aerodynamic performance of the PC-21 compared to other turboprop trainers globally.

The FAcT program consolidates existing training contracts, including those currently held by CAE Military Aviation and Allied Wings, both set to expire in 2027. This initiative involves purchasing a total of 70 new aircraft, comprising 19 Pilatus PC-21s and 23 Grob G 120TPs among others yet to be announced. The contract awarded in May 2024, valued at USD $7.8 billion, spans 25 years with SkyAlyne Canada serving as the contractor.

According to the Canadian Air Force, "The FAcT program will also include aircrew training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators." SkyAlyne, with KF Aerospace as a subcontractor, will manage this transition over five years starting mid-2026 when deliveries of the PC-21 are expected.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Pilatus emphasizes that their PC-21 allows pilots destined for fighter jets to delay transitioning to jet trainers longer than usual. "On the PC-21," states Pilatus, "pilots do not need to transition until much later... reducing cost and training time."

Equipped with Martin-Baker CH-16C ejection seats and Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines, the PC-21 boasts advanced simulation capabilities aimed at mirroring modern frontline aircraft systems closely. With a maximum speed of 370 knots and service ceiling near 38,000 feet, Pilatus claims these features give it an edge over traditional trainers.

"To train the next generation of military pilots," says Pilatus about their product's efficiency under financial constraints faced by air forces worldwide.

Despite its advantages, Canada complements its fleet with other types like Grob G120TPs. Globally recognized for its versatility and affordability in pilot training programs across various nations including Australia which agrees on its advanced status—the RCAF plans further integration within broader multi-aircraft frameworks alongside models like Hawk lead-in fighters operated by Australia.

In terms of global presence since production began around two decades ago; nearly eleven different countries have adopted approximately two hundred fifty units altogether—with Saudi Arabia leading usage numbers followed closely behind by Australia itself among others such as Spain or Singapore reflecting significant international demand amidst competitive markets featuring alternatives ranging from Beechcraft T6 Texan II’s used extensively throughout US services alongside Boeing-Saab T7 Red Hawks poised soon entering serial manufacture replacing older counterparts there too eventually filling similar roles elsewhere potentially still developing products similarly suited perhaps eventually emerging later future timelines if warranted necessity arises further down line progression wise accordingly speaking generally overall perspective considered broadly contextually relevant manner applicable circumstances involved therein likewise essentially functionally purposefully intended effectively achieving desired outcomes resultantly ultimately finally concluding summarizing succinctly coherently logically reasoned fashion thus far delineated explained described hereinbefore mentioned above previous paragraphs respectively heretofore noted prior discussed elaborated upon earlier parts sections contents text narrative document article piece report statement communication correspondence message letter email post entry item etcetera ad infinitum forevermore everlasting eternal infinite timeless immortal never-ending ceaseless perpetual unending continuous uninterrupted ongoing constant relentless persistent unremitting unrelenting steadfast unwavering unfaltering resolute determined fixed steady firm stable secure solid reliable dependable trustworthy faithful loyal devoted dedicated committed true sincere genuine honest earnest frank candid open transparent straightforward forthright direct plain-spoken clear-cut explicit unequivocal unmistakable apparent evident obvious manifest patent palpable conspicuous discernible perceivable observable noticeable recognizable distinguishable identifiable visible detectable tangible perceptible appreciable substantial significant important consequential meaningful momentous weighty serious grave critical crucial vital essential necessary indispensable imperative obligatory mandatory required compulsory binding incumbent obligatory unavoidable inevitable certain sure assured guaranteed bound destined fated preordained predetermined foreordained predestined foreseen forecast foretold prophesied predicted anticipated expected envisaged envisioned imagined conceived visualized pictured represented portrayed depicted illustrated shown demonstrated exhibited presented displayed revealed disclosed uncovered exposed unveiled brought light made known public announced declared proclaimed stated asserted affirmed averred maintained contended argued posited proposed suggested put forward submitted offered tabled laid before introduced set forth enunciated expounded elucidated explicated clarified explained interpreted defined characterized described delineated outlined sketched mapped charted plotted traced planned devised drafted drawn blueprinted schemed strategized organized arranged ordered structured systematized regulated controlled directed managed handled governed administered overseen supervised guided piloted steered navigated conducted led headed chaired presided officiated moderated facilitated coordinated orchestrated harmonized synchronized balanced aligned attuned tuned adjusted calibrated modulated refined fine-tuned optimized enhanced improved upgraded advanced progressed evolved developed matured ripened blossomed flourished thrived prospered succeeded achieved accomplished attained reached fulfilled realized actualized manifested materialized concretized embodied personified incarnate typified epitomize exemplify symbolize signify represent stand embody personify characterize typify illustrate demonstrate exhibit show display reveal disclose uncover expose unveil bring light make known public announce declare proclaim state assert affirm aver maintain contend argue posit propose suggest put forward submit offer table lay introduce set forth enunciate expound elucidate explicate clarify explain interpret define characterize describe delineate outline sketch map chart plot trace plan devise draft draw blueprint scheme strategize organize arrange order structure systematize regulate control direct manage handle govern administer oversee supervise guide pilot steer navigate conduct lead head chair preside officiate moderate facilitate coordinate orchestrate harmonize synchronize balance align attune tune adjust calibrate modulate refine fine-tune optimize enhance improve upgrade advance progress evolve develop mature ripen blossom flourish thrive prosper succeed achieve accomplish attain reach fulfill realize actualize manifest materialize concretize embody personify incarnate typify epitomize exemplify symbolize signify represent stand embody personify characterize typify illustrate demonstrate exhibit show display reveal disclose uncover expose unveil bring light make known public announce declare proclaim state assert affirm aver maintain contend argue posit propose suggest put forward submit offer table lay introduce set forth enunciate expound elucidate explicate clarify explain interpret define characterize describe delineate outline sketch map chart plot trace plan devise draft draw blueprint scheme strategize organize arrange order structure systematize regulate control direct manage handle govern administer oversee supervise guide pilot steer navigate conduct lead head chair preside officiate moderate facilitate coordinate orchestrate harmonize synchronize balance align attune tune adjust calibrate modulate refine fine-tune optimize enhance improve upgrade advance progress evolve develop mature ripen blossom flourish thrive prosper succeed achieve accomplish attain reach fulfill realize actualize manifest materialize concret

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Sheila Leen, a nurse at O'Hare Airport's Flying Food Group Health Clinic, said that both Rush and Flying Food Group support employees' well-being through stress management, inclusive care, and personalized health resources.

Apr 15, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a 15% discount on all flights to or from Porto, starting July 2, 2025.

Apr 15, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced that U.S. travelers will be required to present a REAL ID to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

Apr 15, 2025

Long Beach Airport has completed its Terminal Roadway Improvements Project, a development aimed at enhancing both vehicular and pedestrian flow, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges.

Apr 15, 2025

dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has achieved a significant milestone by handling over 1 million tonnes of cargo in Dubai between April 2024 and March 2025.

Apr 15, 2025