RCAF will deploy 19 next-generation PC-21 trainers in the future

Pilatus has signed a contract to supply 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 and environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots.

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

The nineteen PC-21s will be based at Moose Jaw Air Force Base, Saskatchewan, beginning in 2026. They are primarily used to train prospective military pilots. The 25-year Fact program is designed to fundamentally modernize and expand RCAF training capabilities.

“SkyAlyne is pleased to work with Pilatus on this important project. “The PC-21 offers numerous advantages over traditional training aircraft and is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics to ensure a seamless transition to frontline jets,” explains Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne senior executive. “In addition, the innovative design of the PC-21 ensures a significant reduction in operating costs and greater efficiency in training operations. These features make the PC-21 the ideal choice for Canada.”

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented on this important new contract: “This contract is further proof of the capabilities of our PC-21 training system.” Canada is one of the most renowned and professional air forces in the world and we are very proud to be part of it of this groundbreaking project. We very much look forward to working with our partners and can assure everyone of our commitment to providing Canada with the best training system and customer support possible. We would like to thank everyone for their trust in Pilatus and the PC-21, our next generation trainer made in Switzerland!”

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

Proven, integrated training system
The PC-21 from Pilatus offers an advanced training platform specifically tailored to the requirements of modern pilot training. Known for its efficiency and versatility, the PC-21 is considered the world’s leading training aircraft. In addition to the aircraft itself, the PC-21 integrated 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 is currently almost 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 been successfully training future military pilots with it ever since.