Textron Aviation secures first international order for Beechcraft King Air 260 training aircraft

The FAcT programme, a 25-year contract awarded by the Canadian government, is led by SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace. Deliveries of the King Air 260 aircraft are expected to commence in the first half of 2028.

The King Air 260 will replace the long-serving Beechcraft King Air C-90B aircraft, which has been used for decades by the RCAF. The aircraft will be delivered in a fully mission-ready configuration from Textron Aviation’s production facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Bob Gibbs, vice president of Special Missions Sales at Textron Aviation, expressed pride in the selection of the King Air 260 for the RCAF’s multi-engine training needs. He highlighted the aircraft’s role in providing advanced training for pilots destined for heavy transport, maritime patrol, and search and rescue missions.

The aircraft will feature key FAcT-specific capabilities, including a Night Vision Goggle-compatible cockpit, TACAN (Air-to-Air), Angle of Attack indicators, and an advanced digital audio system. Other features include engine trend monitoring, condition-based maintenance, observer/jump seats, and full-face oxygen masks.

SkyAlyne’s senior executive, Kevin Lemke, welcomed the addition of the Beechcraft King Air 260 to the FAcT programme. He praised the aircraft’s proven reliability and performance, reinforcing SkyAlyne’s commitment to delivering a world-class training programme to the RCAF.

FAcT will provide a comprehensive pilot and aircrew training solution, including aircraft, simulators, civilian instructors, and classroom training systems.