Military contract sealed with Airbus for delivery of 19 H135 helicopters, earmarked for training purposes within the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Airbus Helicopters to Supply RCAF with Training Helicopters in Historic Partnership
Airbus Helicopters has signed a significant contract with SkyAlyne to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters for pilot training. This partnership marks a historic moment for Airbus Helicopters in Canada, contributing to the country's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.
The H135 helicopters, designated CT-135 Juno in Canadian service, will be built at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Fort Erie, Canada. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
The H135 is a modern, state-of-the-art helicopter chosen as a core element of the FAcT program to consolidate and modernize RCAF pilot and aircrew training under a single, integrated training system managed by SkyAlyne. The fleet will be operated jointly with the RCAF and based at 15 Wing’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at Southport Aerospace Centre, Manitoba.
The H135 is a full-spectrum training aircraft that facilitates the development of core skills and provides twin-engines and advanced avionics. It is known for its versatility, as it is used for basic, IFR, and tactical training by several military allies, including Canada's close allies like Australia and the UK. The H135 allows for easy and safe pilot transition to more complex helicopters in the RCAF’s fleet.
The contract includes a support and services package, development of a Ground-Based Training Solution, and advanced engineering support for the release to service. The helicopters will be customized with Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates.
Airbus Helicopters' presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies. The Fort Erie facility is the centre of excellence for light single gearboxes and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe.
SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defense leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, is excited about the successful conclusion of negotiations with Airbus Helicopters. The selection of the Airbus H135 for the RCAF contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy.
In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten Airbus locations, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence, and space sectors. The H135 joins other Airbus aircraft currently operating for Canadian defence, such as the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher). In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours.
Airbus Helicopters is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs. The contract is part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program, which aims to unify the previously separate pilot and aircrew training programs into one comprehensive system, enhancing training efficiency and supporting Canadian industry and jobs.
[1] FAcT Program [2] Airbus Helicopters Press Release
The historic partnership between Airbus Helicopters and SkyAlyne extends beyond the supply of training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), as it significantly contributes to the Canadian economy, particularly the aerospace industry. This contribution to the nation's economic growth extends further into the finance sector, with Airbus Helicopters' operations in Canada generating more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for over 850 Canadian companies.
