Airbus Helicopters has secured a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to supply the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters. These helicopters will play a crucial role in training the next generation of RCAF pilots as part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program. This marks the first time Airbus helicopters will be integrated into the Canadian Armed Forces.
The contract will see the twin-engine H135 helicopters completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ industrial facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, with customized modifications tailored to Canadian specifications. These will include upgrades to the avionics suite, communications systems, and cockpit design, developed with Canadian Supplemental Type Certificates. 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. The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs.”
The H135 is renowned for its versatility in military training, having logged over 400,000 flight hours in dedicated training roles. With its advanced avionics and twin-engine configuration, the H135 is an ideal platform for ab-initio, advanced, and tactical training, providing a safe and effective way to transition pilots to more complex helicopters in the RCAF’s fleet. The aircraft is already in use by several of Canada’s international military allies, including Australia and the United Kingdom.
“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. “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. This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ successful entry into the Canadian military market. As we celebrate 40 years of serving Canadian customers locally, we are honoured to contribute to the safety of Canadians for many years to come.”
The agreement includes the H135 aircraft acquisition, a support and services package, development of a Ground-Based Training Solution, and advanced engineering support for release to service.
Airbus Helicopters’ involvement in Canadian defence is extensive. In addition to the H135, the company’s aircraft are already operating within Canada’s military, including 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, contributing significantly to the country’s defence and aerospace sectors.
In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours, with the Fort Erie facility playing a central role in supporting the fleet, particularly in the production of critical composite components and light single gearboxes. The facility also ships 34,000 parts annually to customers worldwide.
Airbus’ presence in Canada extends across 10 locations and spans the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence, and space sectors. The company’s operations in Canada contribute to more than 23,000 indirect jobs and generate over C$ 2 billion in annual revenue for more than 850 Canadian companies.
This partnership further strengthens Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to the Canadian defence sector while reinforcing Canada’s position as a key player in global aviation and defence technology.
