Airbus Expands Opportunities for Indigenous Canadians

Airbus Helicopters in Canada is supporting the development of advanced aerospace training opportunities for indigenous Canadian students. Conducted through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), a donation of equipment will further support communities in the western Canadian province, as well as an aircraft maintenance engineer program.

Specifically, donated equipment will initially support technician training via Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Components include H135 flight control, fuel system, main gearbox, and tail unit training equipment, as well as a portable Helionix advanced tool simulator.

Around 90% of SIIT’s alumni are indigenous students. Noting that SIIT is Canada’s largest credit-granting indigenous postsecondary institution—as well as Saskatchewan’s exclusive provider of aircraft maintenance engineer training—Airbus said it was proud to help create “more pathways into Canada’s aerospace industry.”

SIIT was founded in 1976 and states that its purpose is to provide adult learners with “academic, vocational, and technical training, as well as services and support for employment and career growth.” Coinciding with the institution’s 50th anniversary, SIIT’s Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre also opened expanded facilities earlier this year.

Under a contract announced in November 2024 as part of the FAcT program, Airbus will provide 19 H135 helicopters for Royal Canadian Air Force training—a contract marking the OEM’s entry into the Canadian military market. The first unit was delivered in June 2026, with the remaining aircraft to be delivered through 2028. The fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.