SkyAlyne orders Grob 120TP and PC-21s for Canadian training contract

For the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme, selected bidder SkyAlyne will operate a mix of new fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Contracts for the purchase of 19 Pilatus PC-21 trainers and 23 Grob 120TP trainers have been signed by SkyAlyne as a second major step, following the order for 19 Airbus H135 helicopters earlier this month.

The SkyAlyne contract for the RCAF will replace two separately contracted programmes, Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) and NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC).

It remains to be seen whether the contracted aircraft and helicopters by SkyAlyne will receive military serials or civil registrations. The PC-21 aircraft will operate from Moose Jaw (Sask) and replace the Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II currently under contract, whilst the Grob 120TP will replace the Grob 120A aircraft currently operated from Portage la Prairie (Man.).

Factory acceptance of the latter is expected to start in August 2025, the PC-21 will enter service in 2026.

Credit photos: Johan Havelaar and Hans Rolink (both Scramble Archive)