e-Newsletter
Summer 2021
Your 30,000-ft View
Greetings!


We know that innovation is critical to building a modern air force in an increasingly complex world.

The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program will leverage emerging technologies that will help prepare Canada's military aircrew and reduce the factors that lead to pilot shortages. Our military deserves the very best, so they can do their job and keep Canada safe.

Fortunately, Canada does not have to look outside our borders for world-leading, innovative aircrew training expertise. SkyAlyne's in-house capabilities include technologies such as virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) and full-motion simulators are made in Canada and already proudly exported to Canada’s allies around the world. As we've learned recently with the COVID pandemic, having these domestic capabilities is essential.

Innovative products and services from SkyAlyne parent company CAE are already in use by the US military. These devices can be used for self-paced training with multiple participants and virtual instruction. This supplemental training may be leveraged outside of regular training hours, even from the comfort of a student's dorm room. This allows student pilots and aircrew to progress in their training in between lessons with their flight instructors. Visit skyalyne.ca to learn more about our many innovative training solutions.

Finally, the SkyAlyne Team includes an impressive group of strategic contractors with innovative capabilities and a track record delivering on complex military support programs for Canada and worldwide.

In fact, we have just brought another subcontractor onto our team... but you'll have to read on to find out more!

We wish you the best and hope that you'll get the chance to hug your friends and loved ones very soon.

Take care and stay safe,

The SkyAlyne Team


Latest SkyAlyne News
SkyAlyne adds Lockheed Martin Canada as subcontractor for FAcT
SkyAlyne - led by parent companies CAE and KF Aerospace - has reached an agreement to add Lockheed Martin Canada to our very impressive team of strategic subcontractors.
This agreement adds one of the most experienced and capable defence companies in the world to our overall solution.

A trusted partner of Canada's military for more than 80 years, Lockheed Martin has demonstrated expertise in handling complex aircrew training programs for allied militaries worldwide. With five locations and more than 1000 employees in Canada, Lockheed Martin Canada joins a SkyAlyne Team that collectively employs more than 15,000 Canadians across every region of the country, from coast to coast to coast.

Wishing Mike Sliva a happy retirement
In May, we said farewell to our first General Manager - Michael Sliva.

Mike retired after more than 38 years of leadership in defence, aerospace, municipal government and banking. He joined CAE in 2011 and later became Director of Major Campaigns and Acquisitions for the Canada region. In 2018, he joined SkyAlyne where he's been instrumental in building our truly Canadian training solution.

Thank you Mike for all you've done! We wish you a very happy retirement.
CAE to acquire L3Harris' Technologies' military training business
CAE - a parent company of SkyAlyne - has signed an agreement to acquire L3Harris’ Military Training business for US$1.05 billion, subject to customary approvals and adjustments.

The L3Harris Military Training business includes Link Simulation & Training, Doss Aviation and AMI. L3Harris Link is one of the leading providers of military training solutions in the United States; Doss Aviation is the provider of initial flight training to the United States Air Force (USAF); and AMI is a design and manufacturing facility for simulator hardware.

Recognizing National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month. At SkyAlyne, we recognize this as a time to reflect on the unique heritage, diverse cultures & outstanding contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.


SkyAlyne Team on CDR's annual list of top defence companies
Congrats to the #SkyAlyneTeam on being named to Canadian Defence Review's annual list of Canada's Top 100 defence companies!

Our very strong team of experts is ready to provide Canada with the best solution for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program while growing opportunities and strengthening industry at home.

Read the full list here.
In the Community
KF Aerospace breaks ground on Centre for Excellence
The KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is officially underway!
A small, socially distanced gathering that included Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and YLW Director Sam Samaddar was on hand to witness KF founder Barry Lapointe turn the ceremonial 'first shovel' on the legacy project.

When completed, the Centre will be a state-of-the-art museum and conference centre celebrating the legacy of Canadian aviation built at the Kelowna International Airport (YLW). This unique facility will feature 60,000 sq. ft. of heritage aircraft displays, educational programs and meeting space.

The Centre was also granted federal funding for its use of innovative and environmentally-friendly wood products, sourced locally in British Columbia.

The Centre is anticipated to open in Spring 2022.

CAE establishes COVID Vaccination Clinic at Montreal head office
Continuing its corporate leadership in the fight against COVID-19, CAE has established a vaccination centre at its global headquarters in Montreal, QC.

The clinic, funded by CAE and partner companies and established in cooperation with local health authorities, is inviting employees, their families and friends, and members of the community to book appointments and receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The clinic has already vaccinated more than 20,000 people with the number growing every week.

The Photo
Our parent company KF Aerospace had a special guest at their main Kelowna facility recently. This Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Globemaster arrived carrying three CH-146 Griffon helicopters for training missions in the Okanagan and surrounding area.

KF proudly supports the RCAF including helping to train Canada's military pilots for more than 15 years through the CFTS program in Southport, MB.

SkyAlyne Team Spotlight
Meet Our Team
Abir Kazan is SkyAlyne's Capture Manager and Interim General Manager, leading our team of experts to craft a proposal for Canada's Future Aircrew Training program.

Based out of CAE's head office in Montreal, QC (lately her living room office), Abir has more than 20 years of diverse management experience in the defence and aerospace industry.

Abir was recently selected as a Game Changer for the Feb/Mar 2021 issue of Vanguard. Here is the full interview:


Our Expertise
CAE has been awarded a United States Air Force contract to provide comprehensive Phase 1 and Phase 2 military pilot training to the Irish Air Corps. Under terms of the contract, CAE USA will be responsible for managing and delivering military pilot training to 14 Irish Air Corps students over 18 months.

“We already train U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force pilots at the CAE Dothan Training Center,” said Ray Duquette, President and General Manager, CAE USA. “Many militaries around the world may be looking for initial and primary pilot training options and leveraging our existing infrastructure and syllabus can be a cost-effective alternative to establishing a homegrown pilot training program.”

Building Canada
Mohawk College has opened a new Centre for Aviation Technology with help from KF Aerospace.

The new 75,000 sq. ft. complex brings together all of the college's aviation programs into one state-of-the-art facility at the Hamilton International Airport (YHM).

The building was built and donated to Mohawk College by KF Aerospace, which recently constructed a major expansion of its facilities at YHM. Students will benefit from a more hands-on experience and by learning in the facility adjacent to Canada's largest MRO - KF Aerospace.

Military Partnerships
Serco Canada - a member of the SkyAlyne Team - has been awarded a 10-year contract to renew and continue the company's support for the Canadian Armed Forces at 5 Wing Goose Bay.

Work under this contract will continue to cover a wide range of real property and operational support services, including airfield operations support, as well as general maintenance and daily management of buildings, grounds, and infrastructure at the Wing. The contract is expected to provide significant economic opportunities for the region, sustaining approximately 250 jobs over 10 years.

Congrats to Serco Canada!

Questions, comments or concerns?
Make sure to watch for the next edition of the SkyAlyne e-Newsletter, coming soon to your inbox.
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