Dash 8-400 Airliners: SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace have bought three new De Havilland Dash 8-400 planes for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. This program will train aircrews for the next 25 years and support Canada’s goal to strengthen its defense by the end of the decade.
Special training courses will take place for Dash 8 planes. These changes will include new setups to support Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op) and Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) courses.
The Dash 8-400 was chosen because it has performed well in the past with the Canadian air force, especially the older Dash 8-100 models. The new planes will have a bigger cabin, updated electronics, and better performance for training.
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Accorsding to The Defence Post, Ryan DeBrusk, De Havilland Aircraft Canada’s Sales Vice President, said, “We are pleased to be part of the FAcT program. De Havilland Canada has been a part of training aircrews for over 97 years, and we are proud that our Dash 8-400 aircraft will continue that legacy of training aircrews using aircraft built to operate in challenging locations.”
SkyAlyne Expands its Role
SkyAlyne, a team of CAE and KF Aerospace, was awarded the prime contract for the FAcT program in 2023. This contract includes providing training, live flights, and other services. In 2024, Canada invested almost $10 billion to buy up to 70 aircraft for the program.
The FAcT fleet also includes other aircraft like the Airbus H135 helicopter, Grob G120TP low-wing, Pilatus PC-21 tandem cockpit, and Beechcraft King Air 260 transport planes.
Tracy Medve, SkyAlyne’s Board Chair and KF Aerospace CEO & President, commented, “After years of managing separate RCAF pilot training contracts, the SkyAlyne team is proud to expand our role to include ACSO and AES Op training under the FAcT program. The Canadian-built De Havilland Dash 8-400, with its proven performance, advanced capabilities, and enhanced safety features, is the ideal platform for this next chapter. We thank Canada once again for placing their confidence in us, and we know we’ll deliver exceptional results together.”
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About the Dash 8-400 Airliners
The Dash 8-400 is a short-range plane that can carry up to 90 passengers. It uses twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A turboprop engines, which let it fly at speeds of up to 414 miles (666 kilometers) per hour. The plane has a range of 1,565 miles (2,519 kilometers) and can reach an altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters). The Dash 8-400 is 107 feet (32 meters) long and has a wingspan of 92 feet (28 meters).
