December 5, 2023
The Boeing P-8 is truly a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft, excelling at anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and search and rescue
Canadians were excited last week by the Government of Canada’s announcement that they had selected the Boeing P-8A for Canada’s new Multi-Mission Aircraft.
Canada will acquire up to 16 of these aircraft with the earliest delivery expected as soon as 2026.
KF Aerospace is proud to support the P-8A as a member of Team Poseidon. KF has partnered with Boeing to provide ongoing maintenance support from our facilities in Canada, once the aircraft is operational with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The exact workshare and structure of that work is yet to be determined; however, we do anticipate increased hiring of skilled trades positions in order to accommodate this program at our facilitates.
Here are some more reasons why this announcement matters to us and why we think this is good for Canada:
- The P-8A is based on a Boeing 737-800NG airframe – a civilian aircraft that KF Aerospace has extensive experience within our commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business. We have been working with Boeing products for over 30 years and are ready to apply our experience and expertise to support this platform for our military
- KF Aerospace has a growing partnership with the Boeing Company. KF was recently named a Global Supplier of the Year for our work on Boeing civilian programs, and we are excited to be collaborating with Boeing Defense, Space & Security on another program critical to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Our assessment is that Canada made the right decision to acquire a proven aircraft, interoperable with our Five Eyes and NATO Allies, and with a low-risk path to upgrade this capability for the RCAF. Canada’s pragmatic decision will help deliver this capability to the RCAF in the fastest possible timeline
- The P-8 program for Canada will generate and support nearly 3,000 jobs and add $358 million to Canada’s economy, every year for the next 10 years.
“KF Aerospace’s growing relationship with the Boeing Company has led to more high-quality jobs at our company and increased economic benefits around our operations in British Columbia and Ontario. This partnership empowers us to increase the skills of our workforce while continuing to establish our company as a leading Canadian aerospace firm and extend our global reach.
We commend Canada’s strategic decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon as a vital upgrade for our military, and we are looking forward to supporting this innovative military aircraft at our Canadian maintenance facilities.”
– Tracy Medve, President & CEO, KF Aerospace
Watch: Defence Minister Bill Blair, ISED Minister François-Philippe Champagne and PSPC Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announce Canada’s acquisition of the P-8A.
About KF Aerospace
We’re all about THE CRAFT.
For 53 years, KF Aerospace has delivered innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide—including OEMs such as Boeing; major airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Air Canada, Lynden Air Cargo and Icelandair; and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). From humble roots in the Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in aircraft maintenance and modifications, military aircrew training, passenger and cargo flight operations, and leasing—with the same commitment to quality and service established by its founder in 1970. In 2023, KF was named the preferred bidder for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program in its partnership with CAE called SkyAlyne.