SkyAlyne inks deal with company that boasts deep Okanagan roots
Kelowna’s KF Aerospace and its partner continue to sign contractors that will support the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training program, and its latest deal is with a company with deep Okanagan roots.
Local ties to SkyAlyne dealKirk Penton- Jul 26, 2026 / 4:00 am| Story: 626019Photo: SkyAlyne(L to R): CHL representatives James Tutte, Heather Fenn, Payton Boswell-Pearson and Jude Berard. Kelowna’s KF Aerospace and its partner continue to sign contractors that will support the Royal Canadian Air Force Future Aircrew Training program, and its latest deal is with a company with deep Okanagan roots. SkyAlyne, which is the joint venture between KF Aerospace and Montreal’s CAE, has inked a “major subcontract” with Canadian Helicopters Limited, which started as Okanagan Air Services Ltd. in Penticton in 1947. It was Canada’s first commercial helicopter company. The company, which is now privately owned and based out of Quebec, will deliver the advanced flying training rotary wing component of the FAcT program. CHL will also provide aircraft maintenance for the rotary wing fleet as well as instructors and training services at the base in Southport, Man. “CHL’s decades of expertise in rotary-wing aviation and operations make them a very valuable addition to the Future Aircrew Training program,” SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Lemke said in a press release. “Their knowledge, professionalism and focus on safety will help strengthen SkyAlyne’s ability to deliver a modern and effective training solution for the Royal Canadian Air Force. ”CHL is one of Canada’s largest helicopter operators, with extensive experience delivering helicopter services in support of defence, public safety, resource and infrastructure operations across the country. “Since inception, Canadian Helicopters has always championed quintessential Canadian projects and infrastructure,” CHL president and chief executive officer Don Wall said. “As a long-standing supporter of RCAF, the SkyAlyne partnership will ensure that relationship continues for at least 25 more years. “From our roots as the first commercial helicopter operator in Canada, to supporting the complexities of sovereignty and domestic resilience, our commitment to the FAcT program solidifies our enduring support of our country. Challenging times demand strong teams, and we believe SkyAlyne is that team. ”