KF Aerospace Strengthens MRO Portfolio To Support Airline Customer Growth

Canadian MRO provider KF Aerospace is growing its capabilities, rolling out new technologies and expanding its workforce and training programs to support its airline customers.

In 2024, the company secured several new maintenance projects with domestic carriers such as Air Canada, Flair Airlines and WestJet. KF Aerospace says it will expand its support of Air Canada, including adding X-ray and engine services for the airline’s Airbus A320s.

KF Aerospace is supporting WestJet’s integration of Sunwing Airlines’ and Swoop’s fleets, including standardizing interiors and configurations. It is also performing modification projects for Air Inuit and Air North as both airlines expand their fleets. These include Boeing 737-800 Combi conversions for Air Inuit and supplemental type certificate prototyping for in-seat power on Air North’s fleet.

Following the renewal of its 10-year contract with Purolator in 2024, which provides cargo services across the British Columbia province, KF Aerospace is converting several ATR 72-500 aircraft to freighter format to replace its aging Convair CV580 fleet. KF Aerospace has converted one ATR 72-500F at its Kelowna International Airport (YLW) headquarters, and it plans to convert two more later this year.

“We expect both remaining ATR 72-500 freighters to enter service by the end of this year,” a representative for KF Aerospace tells Aviation Week Network. “The second ATR—a bulk loader—is already painted and undergoing final maintenance checks and testing at our Kelowna facility.”

KF Aerospace’s YLW facility is its largest, with a staff of 775 to support maintenance services, aircraft maintenance training, cargo operations, aircraft leasing, charter services, supply chain operations and other business segments. The company says its second largest base in Hamilton—which has 221 employees and offers a range of maintenance, training and supply chain services—will soon have an expanded role in C checks and quick-turn maintenance.

According to a representative, KF Aerospace is actively hiring and expanding its teams to meet strong demand for services from both commercial customers and military partners. “As the demand for high-quality MRO services grows, we’re focused on sustainable expansion—investing in both our people and our facilities,” adds KF Aerospace President Gregg Evjen. “With strong partnerships and a growing defense portfolio, KF Aerospace is well-positioned to support the next generation of aircraft maintenance and engineering in Canada.”

One way in which it will support this growth is through expanded training offerings. In 2024, KF Aerospace introduced a 3D printer for instructional models and simulator software for flight deck training. The company introduced an in-house Boeing 737 fixed-based simulator at YLW to train staff on engine run procedures—something which previously required sending aircraft maintenance engineers to Calgary.

In 2024, KF Aerospace partnered with the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace to launch an online aircraft structures technician training program. The aim was to help employees—particularly those based in remote and northern communities—to meet educational requirements without having to pause their careers. This year, the partners plan to launch an online mechanics program.

Beyond online training, KF Aerospace is also rolling out new technologies to streamline maintenance and supply chain operations. The company intends to roll out a new tooling management system at its YLW and Hamilton facilities to improve tool tracking, calibration, forecasting, reservations and availability. A representative says the phased roll-out of the system is part of KF Aerospace’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency and support long-term growth. For instance, the company plans to continue expanding its use of digital tools, including paperless task cards and automated planning systems.

Jill Stuart, KF Aerospace’s supply chain manager, says the company will also strengthen its compliance efforts under Canada’s Bill S-211 to ensure ethical sourcing and responsible supply chain practices.