IFS chosen by SkyAlyne to drive aircraft readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training program
Collaboration marks a key milestone in Canada’s mission to modernize pilot and aircrew training for the Royal Canadian Air Force through advanced digital maintenance.
London, UK - February, 03 2026 – IFS, the leading provider of Industrial AI software, today announced that it has been selected by SkyAlyne, the prime contractor for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), to provide a fully digital aviation maintenance and asset management platform in support of the Canadian Department of National Defence’s new training initiative.
The collaboration marks a major milestone in the modernization of Canada’s military pilot and aircrew training system. Through the implementation of IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance, SkyAlyne will gain advanced digital capabilities to streamline fleet maintenance, ensure airworthiness, and sustain maximum aircraft availability across its nationwide training operations.
Aircraft readiness is critical to the success of the FAcT program, a 25-year partnership designed to equip the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew with world-class skills and training. By adopting IFS Cloud, SkyAlyne will benefit from real-time visibility into maintenance operations, resource management, and compliance tracking, thereby reducing downtime, increasing efficiency, and supporting the highest levels of training readiness.
Awarded to SkyAlyne in 2024, the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program represents a next-generation approach to military flight training, uniting Canada’s top aviation, training, and defence organizations under a single, modernized framework. As the FAcT program’s provider, SkyAlyne’s team of defence, training, simulation, and aviation experts is working in partnership with the RCAF to build an entirely new training ecosystem from the ground up, introducing new aircraft, digital technologies, and innovative learning methodologies across multiple bases nationwide.
The scope of the FAcT program includes designing and implementing all training and in-service support requirements necessary to prepare Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators for future RCAF missions. This includes new training curricula, digital courseware, and infrastructure development, underpinned by the latest adult learning and simulation techniques.
SkyAlyne’s new training program will span a diverse fleet of Grob G 120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Airbus H135, Beechcraft King Air 260, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft—each selected for their performance, reliability, and versatility to meet Canada’s evolving defence and training requirements.
By partnering with IFS, SkyAlyne will leverage IFS Cloud’s integrated maintenance, compliance, and operational insights to deliver seamless digital support across its training fleet, ensuring data-driven efficiency, reducing administrative workloads, and optimizing readiness for Canada’s next generation of aircrew.
Kevin Lemke, General Manager, SkyAlyne, said: “The FAcT program is of strategic importance to maximize the throughput of the next generation of RCAF aircrew, trained to the highest possible standards. 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. Digitized and more efficient maintenance processes will enable us to make aircraft as available as possible to ensure training readiness for the RCAF.”
Mark Buongiorno, President, Aerospace & Defense at IFS, added: “This selection highlights the strength of IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance solution, which enables defence fleet sustainment and support providers to achieve superior levels of aircraft availability. 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.”
About SkyAlyne: The Future of Aircrew Training
SkyAlyne is the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program provider for the Royal Canadian Air Force. SkyAlyne is a team of defense, training, simulation, and aviation industry experts assembled from across Canada, working to prepare the next generation of RCAF pilots and aircrew. SkyAlyne was formed in 2018 as a partnership between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian aviation, training, and defense leaders. The partnership was built to jointly answer the call for the Government of Canada’s FAcT program. In 2023 SkyAlyne was named the preferred bidder, and in 2024, was officially contracted to partner with the RCAF and deliver the FAcT program.
Learn more: SkyAlyne.ca
About IFS
IFS is the world’s leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software for hardcore businesses that service, power, and protect our planet. Our technology enables businesses which manufacture goods, maintain complex assets, and manage service-focused operations to unlock the transformative power of Industrial AI™ to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
IFS Cloud is a fully composable AI-powered platform, designed for ultimate flexibility and adaptability to our customers’ specific requirements and business evolution. It spans the needs of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Field Service Management (FSM). IFS technology leverages AI, machine learning, real-time data and analytics to empower our customers to make informed strategic decisions and excel at their Moment of Service™.
IFS was founded in 1983 by five university friends who pitched a tent outside our first customer's site to ensure they would be available 24/7 and the needs of the customer would come first. Since then, IFS has grown into a global leader with over 7,000 employees in 80 countries. Driven by those foundational values of agility, customer-centricity, and trust, IFS is recognized worldwide for delivering value and supporting strategic transformations. We are the most recommended supplier in our sector.
IFS Press Contacts:
EUROPE / MEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe
IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications
Email: adam.gillbe@ifs.com
NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan
IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications
Email: mairi.morgan@ifs.com
SkyAlyne Contact:
Harrison Ruess
Head of Communications, Collaboration, and Stakeholder Relations Email: H.Ruess@SkyAlyne.ca