Babcock and Leonardo lay groundwork for FAcT bid

Babcock Canada and Leonardo Canada announced on 14 May that they have signed a Letter of Intent to create a Canadian JV, with a bid for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme in mind.

‘Babcock and Leonardo can offer a modern and comprehensive solution drawing on their long experience as leading providers of civil and military fixed-wing, rotary-wing and mission training services,’ the two companies stated, adding that they ‘stand ready to offer an innovative and comprehensive turnkey solution to meet all of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s [RCAF’s] training requirements’.

With FAcT, the Canadian government aims to procure a comprehensive aircrew training programme for the RCAF that provides aircraft, ground-based training systems, civilian instructors and other essential services, such as air traffic control and maintenance.

Babcock and Leonardo would face FAcT competition from the SkyAlyne consortium featuring CAE, KF Aerospace and at least six other Canadian companies.

RCAF aircrew training is currently provided under two contracts: NATO Flying Training via CAE Military Aviation Training (expiry date 2024 if a one-year option is exercised) and Contracted Flying Training and Support via Allied Wings (expiry date 2027).