Airbus delivers first H135 for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program

Airbus delivered the first H135 helicopter for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program, achieving a key milestone in the modernisation of pilot training for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft, designated the CT-153 Juno for service in the RCAF, will support training the next generation of RCAF pilots, providing a modern, twin-engine training platform equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite. The H135 was selected by SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for delivering the FAcT program, to meet the evolving training requirements of future RCAF rotary-wing pilots.

Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne commented: “It is our collective mission to make sure the RCAF has an unfair advantage in the skies. By working together collaboratively, we – industry, military, and Government – can deliver better work, faster, to make sure the RCAF has the best trained aircrew in the world, and our selection of the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) is a core component of that effort. I extend a personal thank you to the teams across the FAcT Enterprise for their work together to bring the first CT-153 (H135) to the RCAF in just 18 months.”

Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada stated: “This first delivery is an important step forward for the Future Aircrew Training program and the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, and it highlights the depth of capability being delivered here in Canada. It underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Canadian defence with trusted, in-country expertise and strengthens the foundation for the missions and partnerships ahead. We are proud to partner with the RCAF and the Government of Canada in delivering the CT-153 Juno and supporting the critical role it will play for years to come.”

The H135 is part of a family with over 1,600 aircraft delivered to 325+ operators globally. There are more than 200 H135 family helicopters delivered or on order for military training missions, having clocked more than 650,000 flight hours. The CT-153 Juno will support the development of core pilot skills including basic ab-initio, advanced IFR, and tactical training. The Airbus Helionix avionics suite additionally supports a seamless transition to larger, more complex aircraft. 

With this delivery, the RCAF will join 12 other militaries around the world who are using the H135 to train their future air crews, including several of Canada’s close allies. Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

The FAcT program represents a long-term investment by the Government of Canada to modernise pilot training across the RCAF. Airbus Helicopters will continue to support the program through the delivery of reliable, mission-proven platforms aligned with Canada’s operational requirements. The aircraft are completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ industrial facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. They are customised with a number of Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates, including modifications to the avionics suite and communications systems, as well as custom development in the cockpit. Deliveries for the remaining aircraft for the FAcT program will continue through 2028.