PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. - The Department of National Defence today awarded a 22-year, $1.77-billion contract to Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd., of Kelowna, British Columbia. The long-term contract will provide flying training and support services to the Canadian Forces. These services will be provided out of the Southport Aerospace Centre, near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
The facility that will provide the training and support services to the Canadian Forces and international allies has been named the "Canada Wings Aviation Training Centre."
"This long-term contract will provide significant economic benefits and stability to the community of Portage la Prairie for years to come," stated Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board. "This announcement also reaffirms the government's commitment to economic diversification and to the development of the aerospace industry in western Canada."
"This state-of-the-art training program will allow Canada's Air Force pilots to operate increasingly sophisticated aircraft in demanding environments both domestically and internationally," said Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence.
"The Canada Wings Aviation Training Centre will provide our military pilots with world-class training while allowing the Canadian Forces to focus on operational commitments and direct training requirements," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff.
Under the terms of the contract, Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd., leading a consortium of Canadian companies known as Allied Wings, will provide the Canadian Forces with long-term primary flight training and specialized helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing pilot training. The contract requires provision of support activities including aircraft and simulators, construction of a new flight line, ground training and classroom facilities, and aviation and student support services.
The Canadian Forces will continue to provide military instructors for helicopter and multi-engine fixed wing flying training, as well as quality assurance for the entire program.
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