The Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II, better known as the T-6A Texan II, that the Royal Canadian Air Force uses for some of its pilot training. The Texans will be replaced by Pilatus PC-9s under the new FAcT deal. (Janes/Pat Host)

The Canadian government has awarded SkyAlyne a CAD11.2 billion (USD8.1 billion) contract for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) project to train Canadian pilots and aircrew, the country’s Minister of National Defence Bill Blair announced at the CANSEC show on 29 May.

Training under the FAcT contract, which is scheduled to begin in boreal spring 2029 and last for 25 years, is to encompass basic and advanced flight training for Canada’s aircraft and helicopter pilots, as well as training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators.