Airbus H135 helicopters to train RCAF pilots

Airbus Helicopters has secured a significant contract with SkyAlyne, a Canadian joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, to deliver 19 H135 helicopters for training Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots. This is the first instance of Airbus helicopters entering service with the Canadian Armed Forces. The H135 aircraft, renowned for its advanced twin-engine capabilities and reliability, will be customised at Airbus’s Fort Erie facility in Ontario with Canadian-made modifications.

As part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme, this acquisition supports both Canadian defence and local job creation, providing cutting-edge training technology for new RCAF aviators. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2026, and the helicopters will be equipped for advanced training roles, with features that allow pilots to seamlessly transition to more complex military aircraft.

This agreement includes the acquisition of the H135 fleet, engineering support and a comprehensive training package, ensuring high-quality flight education for Canada’s defence forces. The H135 will join Airbus models already used by the Canadian Armed Forces, such as the CC150 Polaris and the CC295 Kingfisher, further strengthening Airbus’s role in Canada’s defence aviation sector.

With more than 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role, the H135 is utilised for basic ab-initio, advanced IFR and tactical training, with operators including several of Canada’s close military allies such as Australia and the UK. A full spectrum training aircraft, the H135 facilitates the development of core skills while providing twin-engines and advanced avionics, allowing easy and safe pilot transition to more complex helicopters in the RCAF’s fleet.

Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie facility is also 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.