Policy

RCAF Commander Opts to Not Exercise Multi-Engine Utility Flight Contract Options

CMFMAG Team March 15, 2024

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Above image: Left, the BE-350 King Airright, Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lieutenant-General Kenny.

Addressing the Multi-Engine Utility Flight contract, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander released a statement noting that the RCAF will not exercise its two one-year renewal options.

Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lieutenant-General Kenny speaks to attendees at the end of tour parade of Operation REASSURANCE ATF-R at the Mihail Kogalniceanu (MK) Air Base in Romania, November 25, 2022. Please credit: Corporal Eric Chaput, Canadian Armed Forces photo. Caporal Eric Chaput, Forces armées canadiennes.

No Impact to Operational Roles

“As part of our efforts to focus investments, to prioritize Canadian Armed Forces reconstitution efforts, and to support the ongoing federal efforts to reduce the federal deficit, the Royal Canadian Air Force will not exercise its two, one-year options for renewal under the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) contract with Air Tindi currently operating out of 8 Wing Trenton. By not exercising the RCAF’s two one-year lease options, DND/CAF will save approximately $3.6 million per option year (approximately $7.2 million in total),” said Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander RCAF, in a statement released February 29, 2024.

The Commander noted that under the MEUF contract, the RCAF leases two King Air BE350 aircraft, and the MEUF does not offer a direct operational output. Hence, not exercising the lease options would not impact operational roles within the RCAF.

“The two MEUF aircraft provide continuation training to newly winged multi-engine pilots and provide the CAF with personnel transport and limited utility capabilities. Going forward, RCAF pilots will be able to maintain and enhance their proficiency using cutting-edge training technologies, including by flying more modern aircraft,” said Lt-Gen Kenny.

The BE-350 King Air is used for passenger transport and pilot proficiency missions. These leased aircraft are primarily used by new pilots to gain valuable air mobility operations experience before being posted to an operational squadron in Canada.

MEUF Absorbed by RCAF Fleet

He noted that starting March 31, 2024, the functions provided by the MEUF will be absorbed by the RCAF fleet, other aircraft models, including the CC-130J Hercules, CC-150 Polaris, CC-330 Husky, and CC-144 Challenger.

“Since 2022 alone, the Government of Canada has finalized the procurement or upgrade of approximately 140 new aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

The procurement and upgrades included:

88 new F-35 fighter jets,
Nine new CC-330 Husky strategic tanker and transport aircraft,
Up to 16 new P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft,
16 new or upgraded Cormorant helicopters (the project will upgrade our fleet to provide Canada with the most advanced version of the helicopter), and
11 remotely piloted aircraft.

“These are historic additions to the RCAF fleet that will significantly enhance Canada’s military capabilities,” said the RCAF Commander.

He closed his statement, noting, “The RCAF will continue to optimize its readiness to provide timely assistance to Canadians, our allies, and partners.”

According to the CAF, of the 150 force employment missions that the MEUF aircraft typically carry out in a year, more than one-third are to transport personnel such as senior military officers. By moving these tasks to other RCAF aircraft or commercial flights, the Department of National Defence is reprioritizing its spending towards key priorities that deliver value for Canadians.