In October, members of SkyAlyne, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Government of Canada, and Airbus gathered at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Donauwörth, Germany. Together, the teams inspected the first assembled CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135), destined for RCAF use in the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Inspections and tests for the aircraft have proceeded well, as expected.

With manufacturing activities on this aircraft in Germany accepted and complete, it is now in transit to Airbus Helicopters in Canada’s facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. Upon arrival in Fort Erie, the aircraft will undergo final completion activities, which includes installation of Canadian-developed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) elements, painting of the RCAF Reflect Forward livery, and final testing prior to delivery.

In the FAcT program, the CT-153 Juno will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing platform, meaning all RCAF pilots in the FAcT program will train on this aircraft. In total, SkyAlyne is acquiring 19 of these aircraft for the RCAF from Airbus Helicopters in Canada.

The CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) is a twin-engine helicopter, powered by two full authority digital engine control (FADEC)-equipped Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 206B3 powerplants. The aircraft has a well-earned reputation with previous customers for performance, endurance, and cost-effective operations. The H135 is currently in use by 12 other militaries, including in Australia and the United Kingdom, where it is similarly known as the Juno in the RAAF and RAF.

SkyAlyne is proud to contribute to economic activity in Canada through the purchase of this aircraft and associated completion work that will take place in Fort Erie. In addition to work in support of FAcT, Airbus Helicopters in Canada manufactures components for Airbus’ global supply chains and supports a fleet of about 830 helicopters flown by more than 230 operators across Canada. The facility in Fort Erie is also an Airbus Helicopters Centre of Excellence in composite manufacturing and is the sole supplier of composite parts for eight Airbus Helicopters models globally.

Deliveries to the RCAF are expected to begin in mid-2026.