EllisDon to lead design of new Air Force training facilities
Focusing on three key Prairie bases in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, EllisDon will design the next-generation infrastructure for the RCAF’s 25-year FAcT program to modernize Canada’s military pilot and crew training.
EllisDon Corporation has been awarded a contract to design new infrastructure that will support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a 25-year initiative to modernize how Canada trains its next generation of military pilots and crew.
The work is part of a broader effort led by SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian aviation and defence companies CAE and KF Aerospace. The program consolidates several existing RCAF training streams into a single, comprehensive system, bringing together live flying, simulator-based learning, and classroom instruction.
“SkyAlyne, as the prime contractor on the FAcT program, is bringing together a strong pan-Canadian team to ensure the FAcT program fulfils its potential to be a world-leading aircrew training system,” Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne’s general manager, said in a statement. “EllisDon brings an immense amount of expertise and experience that will be invaluable in ensuring FAcT infrastructure is designed to meet the current and future needs of the RCAF.”
A Pan-Canadian Project
The new facilities will be designed for three bases: 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, Southport in Manitoba, and 17 Wing Winnipeg. These sites will serve as the backbone of the program, which is expected to train RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators.
EllisDon, one of Canada’s largest construction and infrastructure firms, emphasized the long-term significance of the project. “This initiative is a cornerstone of Canada’s defense modernization, and our team is honored to help shape the next generation of RCAF training environments,” said Chris Lane, senior vice-president at EllisDon.
The company has delivered complex military and mission-critical projects before, and officials said the new facilities would be designed to evolve alongside the Air Force’s needs.
Economic and Strategic Stakes
The FAcT program is seen as critical not only to the military but also to Canada’s defence and aerospace industry. By consolidating training under one umbrella, the Department of National Defence hopes to streamline operations and reduce duplication.
The program is overseen from a joint management office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with operations spanning the three Prairie bases. SkyAlyne will also be responsible for acquiring aircraft, building ground-based training systems, and providing ongoing maintenance and support.
Lemke noted that the venture could also deliver broader economic benefits: “As a proudly and genuinely Canadian organization, SkyAlyne is eager to see the continued economic growth in Canada as a result of these investments.”
Next Steps
The contract with EllisDon covers design services only at this stage. Infrastructure construction contracts will be awarded once designs are completed and approved.
The government has not disclosed the overall cost of the program, but with a 25-year horizon, industry observers expect the investments to be significant, both in scale and in impact.