Beechcraft King Air 260s and related simulators to modernize RCAF pilot training as SkyAlyne and Textron finalize delivery agreement. Delivery expected in 2028.
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SkyAlyne, in partnership with subcontractors KF Aerospace and CAE, announced purchase agreements with Textron Aviation for seven Beechcraft King Air 260s and complementary components for flight simulators. These aircraft and simulators, the latter to be manufactured by CAE, will support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Deliveries of the King Air 260s are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028, with multi-engine pilot training to take place at Southport, Manitoba. They will replace King Air 90Bs that have been in use since 2005 as the primary multi-engine trainers for the RCAF.
“These twin-engine turboprop aircraft deliver versatility, high performance, efficiency, and advanced avionics—all essential ingredients for effective pilot and aircrew training,” said SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Lemke.
Awarded to SkyAlyne in the spring of 2024, the FAcT program is designed to consolidate three separate RCAF training programs into one streamlined operation. As part of the program, SkyAlyne will oversee training at three operational bases: Southport and Winnipeg, both in Manitoba, and Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan. The program will employ a range of simulators, virtual reality devices, and cockpit trainers.
This acquisition follows announcements of other substantial purchases over the past four months for training Canadian Air Force pilots. SkyAlyne announced a deal in November 2024 for 19 multi-engine Airbus H135 helicopters along with a service and support package for RCAF training. It also announced the acquisition of 19 Pilatus PC-21s in late November 2024 to build out the training fleet.
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SkyAlyne Secures Textron Contract for 7 King Air 260s
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SkyAlyne, in partnership with subcontractors KF Aerospace and CAE, announced purchase agreements with Textron Aviation for seven Beechcraft King Air 260s and complementary components for flight simulators. These aircraft and simulators, the latter to be manufactured by CAE, will support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Deliveries of the King Air 260 are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028, with multi-engine pilot training to take place at Southport, Manitoba. They will replace King Air 90Bs that have been in use since 2005 as the primary multi-engine trainers for the RCAF.
“These twin-engine turboprop aircraft deliver versatility, high performance, efficiency, and advanced avionics—all essential ingredients for effective pilot and aircrew training,” said SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Lemke.
Awarded to SkyAlyne in the spring of 2024, the FAcT program is designed to consolidate three separate RCAF training programs into one streamlined operation. As part of the program, SkyAlyne will oversee training at three operational bases: Southport and Winnipeg, both in Manitoba, and Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan. The program will employ a range of simulators, virtual reality devices, and cockpit trainers.