4 February 2026 — IFS has been selected by SkyAlyne, prime contractor for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme, to deliver a fully digital aviation maintenance and asset management platform supporting Canada’s next-generation military training initiative.

 

The collaboration represents a milestone in Canada’s effort to modernise pilot and aircrew training through advanced digital maintenance capability. Under the agreement, SkyAlyne will implement IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance to support fleet management, airworthiness assurance and aircraft availability across nationwide training operations.

 

Supporting Training Readiness Through Digital Maintenance

Aircraft readiness forms a central element of the 25-year FAcT programme, which is designed to prepare the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and aircrew through modern training systems and infrastructure.

 

Through adoption of IFS Cloud, SkyAlyne will gain real-time visibility across maintenance operations, resource management and compliance tracking. The platform is intended to reduce downtime, improve operational efficiency and support high levels of training readiness across the programme.

 

Building Canada’s Next-Generation Training Ecosystem

Awarded to SkyAlyne in 2024, the FAcT programme introduces a new model for military flight training in Canada. The programme brings together aviation, defence, simulation and training expertise to develop a fully integrated national training ecosystem.

 

The scope includes delivery of training and in-service support for pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators. The programme incorporates new aircraft platforms, updated training curricula, digital courseware and infrastructure development supported by modern adult learning and simulation techniques.

 

Diverse Training Fleet Supporting Operational Requirements

SkyAlyne’s training system will operate across a mixed fleet of Grob G 120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Airbus H135, Beechcraft King Air 260 and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft. The aircraft types were selected to meet evolving defence training requirements while supporting reliability and operational flexibility across multiple bases nationwide.

 

By integrating IFS Cloud across the fleet, SkyAlyne aims to deliver data-driven maintenance planning, reduce administrative workload and optimise aircraft availability for training operations.

 

Industry and National Capability Development

Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne, said the programme is strategically important to maximise the throughput of future RCAF aircrew trained to high standards. He noted that digital maintenance capability will support aircraft availability and overall training readiness.

 

Mark Buongiorno, President Aerospace & Defense at IFS, said the selection reflects the capability of the IFS Cloud aviation maintenance platform to support defence fleet sustainment and improve aircraft availability, adding that the programme supports Canada’s broader RCAF modernisation priorities.

 

About SkyAlyne

SkyAlyne is the provider of the Future Aircrew Training programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, the organisation was named preferred bidder in 2023 and formally contracted in 2024 to deliver the FAcT programme in partnership with the RCAF.

 

About IFS

IFS provides Industrial AI software designed to support organisations managing complex assets, manufacturing operations and service-based environments. Founded in 1983, the company operates in more than 80 countries and employs over 7,000 people. Its platform integrates AI, machine learning, real-time data and analytics to support operational decision-making and productivity improvement.