Marcello Sukhdeo, Vanguard Magazine
September 10, 2021
The Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training team recently announced the addition of three partners – FlightSafety International (FSI), L3Harris Technologies and Top Aces – for Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Canada is looking to procure a 25-year contract aircrew training program that provides aircraft, ground-based training systems, civilian instructors, and essential services, such as air traffic control, aircraft and airfield maintenance, accommodation, and food services for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
According to a news release, Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training is committed to providing an innovative training solution and optimal benefits to Canada's economic and strategic goals through the FAcT program. This is further deepened by the team's far-reaching know-how and strong ties with Canada.
“We are extremely proud to have FlightSafety International, L3Harris Technologies and Top Aces join the Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training Team. We believe that together we can deliver added value to Canada now and in the future and we are ready to provide the best solution for the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Jana Lee Murray, Program Director, Babcock Leonardo Canadian Aircrew Training.
New partner, FlightSafety International, is a premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
“We're excited to join this powerhouse of a team and bring our 70 years of ground-based training in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Brad Thress, President & CEO of FlightSafety International. “More than 40 international governments put their trust in FlightSafety to train their aviators and the company has a long history of supporting aviation training in Canada through their Montreal and Toronto learning centers.”
The other new team member, L3Harris, is one of Canada's largest and most diverse defence and security companies and is committed to adding value to the Canadian economy through high-tech jobs, innovation, and diversity whilst designing solutions for the future. Located in Mirabel, QC, L3Harris is Canada's leading In-Service Support and Systems Integrator.
“L3Harris offers our Canadian teammates the best, most cost-effective and innovative solutions for the FAcT aircraft,” said Ugo Paniconi, General Manager, L3Harris in Mirabel.
The third new strategic partner added recently, Top Aces, provides advanced adversary and joint terminal attack controller training to the world's leading Air Forces. Top Aces has the largest fleet of commercially-operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the first company in the world to acquire the supersonic F- 16. The mission-critical training offered by Top Aces enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by providing a realistic real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifecycle of military fleets. The company is changing the face of air combat training with its unparalleled safety record, outstanding team and an industry-leading 94,000+ hours of operational training flown in support of its customers worldwide.
“Top Aces is a proud Canadian company and trusted training partner to our Canadian Armed Forces since 2005. We're excited to bring our 17 years of experience delivering high performance fighter aircraft training to this team,” said Jason Regenwetter, Vice President of Business Development.
Canada is expected to award FAcT by 2023.
