Quantcast

Canada selects Swiss-made trainer aircraft for RCAF modernization effort

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
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

Allegiant Air has announced the addition of seven new nonstop routes and the commencement of service at Fort Myers (RSW), expanding its all-nonstop network.

Jul 30, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced open positions and is inviting candidates to apply online or by email, according to a post on X. According to Food Logistics, Flying Food Group is a leading provider of airline catering and food solutions,...

Jul 30, 2025

Japan Airlines has announced a limited-time sale on overseas flight and hotel packages, featuring discounts for Hawaii and group savings.

Jul 30, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced the return of its annual fall sale, offering hundreds of one-way flights starting at $49 or 4,000 miles for a limited time.

Jul 30, 2025

Japan Airlines has announced special offers to promote travel to Shikoku, including a group discount and a limited-time sightseeing train package, according to a post on X. Shikoku is renowned for its diverse landscapes, historic temples, and...

Jul 30, 2025

Air India has announced an update on compensation and support for families affected by the AI171 accident.

Jul 30, 2025