SkyAlyne and Airbus Helicopters in Canada joined leaders from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), industry, and government at CANSEC 2026 today to celebrate the unveiling of the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) helicopter for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Officials included The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Minister of National Defence, and representatives from SkyAlyne, Airbus Helicopters in Canada, CAE, and KF Aerospace.
The Airbus H135, designated the CT-153 Juno by the RCAF, will serve as the Advanced Flight Training – Rotary Wing aircraft for the FAcT program at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Southport, Manitoba. The aircraft was unveiled at CANSEC today, marking the first public appearance of the CT-153 Juno.
“The FAcT program is a complete revitalization of the RCAF’s aircrew training capability, and SkyAlyne is immensely proud to be working alongside outstanding partners like Airbus Helicopters Canada to deliver this sovereign capability to the RCAF,” said France Hébert, President of SkyAlyne and Division President, Defence & Security, Canada & International at CAE, during today’s media event. “Thanks to the collaboration between industry, the military, and government, we moved from contract signing to delivery of the first CT-153 Juno in just 18 months – an achievement that reflects the collaboration and teamwork behind this program.”
SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, is the prime contractor for the FAcT program, which is renewing all aspects of the RCAF’s aircrew training ecosystem through new aircraft fleets, advanced simulation systems, modern infrastructure, digital technologies, long-term operational support, and more.
In total, 71 aircraft across five fleets are being introduced through the FAcT program, helping build the future of Canadian military aircrew training for decades to come.
The CT-153 Juno helicopter will remain on display throughout CANSEC 2026 at the SkyAlyne and Airbus booth.
