IFS, a global enterprise software provider, has been selected by SkyAlyne to deliver maintenance and logistics systems for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program—Canada's comprehensive modernization of military pilot training.

The deal positions IFS as a critical subcontractor within the FAcT program, which saw the Department of National Defence award SkyAlyne a landmark $11.2 billion, 25-year contract in May 2024. SkyAlyne—a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace—will train Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators across all platforms.

IFS will provide its Cloud Aviation software suite to manage maintenance, engineering, supply chain, and flight operations across SkyAlyne's diverse training fleet. The system will support everything from basic trainers to advanced jet aircraft, helicopters, and simulators deployed at bases from Moose Jaw to Winnipeg.

"The FAcT program is of strategic importance to maximize the throughput of the next generation of RCAF aircrew, trained to the highest possible standards," said Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne. "We carefully select only the most reliable partners to support FAcT, and with its deep industry expertise and flexible and secure deployment models, IFS was the perfect fit."

The software will track every maintenance action, spare part, and flight hour across the program. It connects maintenance crews, supply chains, instructors, and program managers in real-time—essential when training must continue across weather delays, mechanical issues, and changing operational requirements.

FAcT represents the largest recapitalization of RCAF training since the Second World War. The program consolidates training previously delivered by multiple contractors and CAF squadrons into a unified system designed to produce mission-ready pilots more efficiently.

Through the May 2024 contract award announced by Defence Minister Bill Blair, Canada will acquire over 70 training aircraft across five fleets, including Grob G 120TP trainers, Pilatus PC-21 advanced trainers, Airbus H135 helicopters, Beechcraft King Air 260s, and De Havilland Dash 8-400s equipped with mission training systems.

Training operations will continue at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Portage la Prairie (Southport), Manitoba; and 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba, with training expected to begin in spring 2029.

Canada's pilot training infrastructure has faced mounting challenges: aging aircraft, disparate systems, and growing demands as the RCAF transitions to new platforms like the F-35. FAcT aims to solve these problems while creating or maintaining 3,400 jobs and contributing $405 million annually to Canada's GDP over the contract's 25-year lifespan.

IFS's role is crucial. Even the best aircraft are useless if maintenance systems can't keep them flying. The software will enable real-time visibility into maintenance operations, resource management, and compliance tracking—reducing downtime and increasing efficiency across a geographically dispersed training enterprise.

"This selection highlights the strength of IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance solution," said Mark Buongiorno, President of Aerospace & Defense at IFS. "IFS is proud to play a significant role in the training of Canada's military aircrew at a time when modernizing the Royal Canadian Air Force is a key national priority."

The IFS selection represents a commercial agreement between SkyAlyne and its subcontractor rather than a direct government procurement. It demonstrates how major defence programs increasingly rely on complex webs of prime contractors, subcontractors, and technology providers working together.

SkyAlyne has already announced several other major subcontracts as part of FAcT, including a $1.7 billion, 25-year deal with CAE for simulators and training devices, and partnerships with CGI, Bluedrop Training & Simulation, and Serco for various program elements.

IFS brings experience from similar programs with militaries in the UK, Australia, and Sweden. The company will implement its system in phases as training aircraft enter service and bases transition to the new program.

SkyAlyne is currently standing up operations ahead of full program launch. The first two CT-102B Astra II aircraft arrived at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in September 2025, beginning the transition from legacy training programs currently operated by CAE (NATO Flying Training in Canada) and KF Aerospace (Contracted Flying Training and Support).

By 2029, the integrated system should be training hundreds of pilots and aircrew annually across all RCAF communities—supported by IFS software ensuring aircraft availability and training readiness.

For Canada's defence industry, it's another example of how modern military capability depends as much on software and data as on hardware—and how companies like IFS are becoming as essential to readiness as the aircraft themselves.

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