This CT-153 Juno (an Airbus H135) was the very first one delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, using the tail number 153201. (Image Credit: Submitted)

By Nigel Maxwell

Advanced opportunities

Aircraft maintenance program takes flight at SIIT

Oct 7, 2026 | 5:03 PM

A new program being offered exclusively through the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) promises to take students to new heights.

Airbus Helicopters Canada and SIIT have partnered up to provide Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training. Airbus will provide SIIT instructors and students at the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre in Saskatoon with access to leading-edge helicopter maintenance training tools and technologies.

“Access to this equipment means our students can build their skills with technology connected to the aircraft they may encounter in the industry,” said Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of SIIT. “We are grateful to Airbus for investing in Indigenous learners with this state-of-the-art technology and helping SIIT create more pathways into aviation careers.”

Dwayne Charette, president of Airbus Helicopters Canada, said this partnership is about creating lasting capability and opening more pathways into Canada’s aerospace industry.

“SIIT is doing important work to equip Indigenous learners with the skills and opportunities they need to build successful careers in aerospace, and we are proud to support that work. By bringing H135 training capability to SIIT, we are investing not only in students today, but in the strength and growth of Canada’s aerospace workforce for years to come.”

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The donation supports the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) program, which encourages investments that strengthen Canadian industry, skills, and capabilities.

The donated equipment, initially used to support technician training associated with the Future Aircrew Training program (FAcT program), includes H135 flight control, fuel system, main gearbox and tail unit training equipment, as well as Helionix Advanced Tool Simulator (HATS). HATS is a portable, simulator-based system designed for realistic avionics and cockpit training.

The Airbus H135 was selected for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training program, with 19 aircraft to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force and designated the CT-153 Juno. The program will support the training of the next generation of RCAF aircrew while generating broader benefits for Canada’s aerospace and defence sector.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

by Nigel Maxwell

Aircraft maintenance program takes flight at SIIT

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