KF crews load a Convair 580 as part of the current BCFN contract with Purolator
KELOWNA – KF Aerospace has announced its 50-year partnership with Purolator to operate the British Columbia Feeder Network (BCFN) has been extended for an additional 10 years. On the heels of this announcement was the news that SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace jointly signed of the purchase agreement with Pilatus to acquire 19 state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Under the renewed agreement with Purolator, KF Aerospace will modernize the BCFN fleet with ATR72-500F aircraft, ensuring continued efficiency and dependability in cargo transportation throughout British Columbia.
According to the KF Aerospace website: ‘The enduring alliance between KF Aerospace and Purolator began in 1976, when KF’s founder, Barry Lapointe, personally piloted a high-priority cargo flight from Vancouver to Toronto at Purolator’s request, setting the foundation for nearly 50 years of collaboration.’
Over the decades, KF Aerospace has played a key role in Purolator’s cargo operations, including managing Purolator’s entire Canadian network from 1994 to 2015. Since 2015, KF has focused exclusively on supporting Purolator’s British Columbia operations. As part of the new agreement, KF Aerospace will replace its three Convair aircraft with three ATR72-500F planes, featuring two containerized and one bulk-loader configuration.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Purolator, a collaboration that has grown and evolved over nearly half a century,” said Tracy Medve, President and CEO of KF Aerospace. “This new 10-year contract and fleet renewal demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable cargo services across British Columbia. The addition of the ATR72-500F aircraft will enhance range, capacity and efficiency, ensuring that Purolator’s mission of on time reliability is extended well into the future.”
“This agreement marks an exciting new chapter for both KF Aerospace and Purolator,” Bryan Akerstream, Director of Business Development at KF Aerospace. “The transition to the ATR72- 500F will provide greater operational efficiency and support Purolator’s ongoing efforts to deliver critical goods to communities across BC — and potentially help expand their business into other markets.”
The transition to the ATR72-500F represents a significant step forward for KF Aerospace’s operations. These modern aircraft deliver greater fuel efficiency and versatility in managing diverse cargo requirements. KF Aerospace is managing the acquisition and conversion process for the new fleet, with the first conversion nearing completion at its primary YLW MRO facility.
SkyAlyne and KF Aerospace sign contract with Pilatus
@SkyAlyne
With KF Aerospace as major subcontractor to SkyAlyne for the FAct program, aircraft deliveries are expected to being in the second half of 2026. SkyAlyne will provide supporting equipment for the contract.
Pilatus has supplied their versatile two-seat 250 PC-21s to several air force customers, including the royal Swiss, Australian and Spanish Air Force. The aircraft boasts leading avionics, fuel efficiency, performance, and training capabilities – making it the ideal platform to underpin advanced fixed-wing flying training for RCAF Pilots in the FAcT program.
“The PC-21 is one of the world’s most capable and reliable training aircraft, expertly built and supported by Pilatus. Its versatility allows it to serve in a dual role as both a general advanced live flying trainer and in advanced jet training, which provides Canada with excellent value and offers a unique advantage for the FAcT program. We’re thrilled to partner with Pilatus to deliver this exceptional platform for Canada’s next generation of aircrew training,” stated Tracy Medve, Board Chair, SkyAlyne and President & CEO, KF Aerospace.
Business Examiner Staff