A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 over Iraq in 2015.
Image Credit: wikipedia.org
March 06, 2022 - 10:20 AM
KF Aerospace, a Kelowna cargo airline, is entering a new bid to train Train Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and crew, a program that's worth billions of dollars.
The Government of Canada released the request for proposals for the Future Aircrew Training Program, a next-generation training and in-service support program for the Royal Canadian Air Force, earlier this week.
The contract will be at least 20 years and valued in the billions, making it one of the most significant service contracts ever awarded by the Department of National Defence, according to a press release issued by SkyAlyne, a partnership between companies CAE and KF Aerospace.
READ MORE: Kelowna’s KF Aerospace gets major Boeing contract
The program combines air force pilot, air combat systems officer and airborne electronic sensor operator training in Canada under one umbrella.
KF Aerospace and CAE currently provide the air force with pilot training and support via two separate contracted programs located in Southport, Manitoba, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan/Cold Lake, Alberta.
The air force exclusively trains air combat systems officer and airborne electronic sensor personnel at 17 Wing Winnipeg, however that training will also integrate into the future contracted program, according to the news release.
The program’s contract bidders will be evaluated based on their technical capabilities and ability to deliver maximum value to Canada while enhancing Canadian supply chains, key industrial capabilities and Indigenous participation, according to the press release.
Program bidders have approximately 10 months to complete and submit their proposals and the contract award is expected sometime in 2023.
READ MORE: Work moving ahead for Kelowna aerospace museum
To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2022