Royal Canadian Air Force to Use - 19 PC-21 Next Generation Trainers in the Future

2024-11-28

Pilatus has signed a contract to deliver 19 PC-21 training aircraft. The PC-21 will not only provide Canada with the most technically advanced training system but also a very cost-effective, environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots.

Pilatus is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a major contract with KF Aerospace as part of its collaboration with SkyAlyne for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) “Future Aircrew Training” (FAcT) program. The contract involves the delivery of nineteen state-of-the-art PC-21 training aircraft.

The nineteen PC-21s will be stationed at the air force base in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, from 2026. They will primarily be used to provide advanced training for aspiring military pilots. The 25-year FAcT program is designed to fundamentally modernize and expand the RCAF training capabilities.

“SkyAlyne is excited to be working with Pilatus on this important project. The PC-21 offers numerous benefits over conventional training aircraft and is equipped with cutting-edge avionics to ensure a seamless transition to frontline jets,” explains SkyAlyne senior executive Kevin Lemke. “In addition, the PC-21’s innovative design delivers a significant reduction in operating costs and greater efficiency in training operations. These qualities make the PC-21 the ideal choice for Canada.”

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented as follows on this important new contract: “This contract is further proof of the capabilities of our PC-21 training system. Canada ranks amongst the world’s most renowned and professional air forces, and we‘re very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project. We‘re very much looking forward to working with our partners and we can assure everyone of our commitment to providing Canada with the best training system and the best possible customer support. We‘d like to thank everyone for their confidence in Pilatus and the PC-21, our Next Generation Trainer made in Switzerland!”

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “This milestone is a significant achievement for all involved, and we’re very proud that the PC-21 will now serve as the backbone of Canada’s military pilot training program for decades to come.”

Proven, integrated training system

The PC-21 by Pilatus offers an advanced training platform specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern pilot training. The PC-21 is known for its efficiency and versatility, and is recognized worldwide as a leading training aircraft. Besides the aircraft itself, the integrated PC-21 training system also includes mission planning and debriefing systems as well as training materials – all essential elements to support ground-based training.

The total fleet of PC-21s worldwide currently stands at just under 250. Customers include the world’s leading air forces in Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia. The Swiss Air Force adopted the PC-21 in 2008, and has used it to successfully train future military pilots ever since then.