This acquisition significantly strengthens CAE's core capabilities as a training systems integrator (TSI) globally, and further expands its offering into support for live flying training of future military pilots, including next-generation fighter pilots, for the Royal Canadian Air Force and its allies. CAE becomes the prime contractor responsible for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program that produces qualified military pilots for defense customers. The 200 employees located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Cold Lake, Alberta, become CAE employees as of today.
“We are pleased to welcome the team supporting the NATO Flying Training in Canada program to CAE. The closure of this NFTC program acquisition follows the recent competitive win in the USA to deliver the Army Fixed Wing pilot training program, another full training system including live aircraft. Together, these programs are accelerating the advancement of CAE's training systems integration capability and overall strategy,” said Gene Colabatistto, CAE's Group President, and Defence & Security.
About the NFTC program
- NFTC was launched in 2000 and utilizes more than 700,000 square kilometers of air space at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Moose Jaw and CFB Cold Lake.
- In addition to classroom, computer-based, and simulator training, the NFTC program delivers live flying training on a fleet of Beechcraft T-6 (CT-156 Harvard) trainer aircraft and BAE Systems Hawk (CT-155 Hawk) lead-in fighter trainer aircraft.
- The NFTC program is also responsible for full maintenance and operation of the aircraft under the governance of Canada's Department of National Defence airworthiness program.
- In addition to the Royal Canadian Air Force, other NATO partners and allies have sent student and instructor pilots through the NFTC program, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
CAE is a global leader in delivery of training for the civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. CAE designs and integrates the industry's most comprehensive training solutions.
CAE’s global presence is the broadest in the industry, with 160 sites and training locations in 35 countries, including a joint venture operation, and the world's largest installed base of flight simulators.
Each year, CAE trains more than 120,000 civil and defense crewmembers, as well as thousands of healthcare professionals. (File Photo)
