Airbus Helicopters and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies partner to advance Indigenous aerospace training capabilities in Canada

Airbus Helicopters Canada has partnered with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to strengthen Indigenous participation in the aerospace sector through enhanced training and workforce development initiatives. The partnership will equip SIIT instructors and students with industry-leading helicopter maintenance training tools and technologies, while supporting the continued advancement of the institute's Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program and helping prepare the next generation of highly skilled aerospace professionals.

Riel Bellegarde, President and CEO of SIIT commented: "Access to this equipment means our students can build their skills with technology connected to the aircraft they may encounter in the industry. 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, Airbus Helicopters in Canada stated: "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."

The donation directly supports the objectives of the Government of Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) program, which promotes investments that enhance Canadian industrial capabilities, workforce development, and technological expertise. Originally used to support technician training under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, the equipment includes H135 flight control, fuel system, main gearbox, and tail unit training devices, along with the Helionix Advanced Tool Simulator (HATS), a portable simulation platform designed to deliver highly realistic avionics and cockpit training experiences.

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), Canada's largest credit-granting Indigenous post-secondary institution and the province's sole provider of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training, will leverage these advanced resources to further strengthen its aerospace education offerings. The Airbus H135 was selected for Canada's Future Aircrew Training program, with 19 aircraft set to enter service with the Royal Canadian Air Force as the CT-153 Juno. The program will play a key role in preparing the next generation of RCAF aircrew while delivering lasting economic, industrial, and skills-development benefits across Canada's aerospace and defence sectors.