This past weekend, as wildfires swept through northern Manitoba and the province declared a state of emergency, the Canadian Armed Forces launched Operation LENTUS 25-02, deploying air support to help evacuate residents from threatened northern communities like Pukatawagan.

To assist in the mission, the Royal Canadian Air Force called on 15 Wing Moose Jaw and 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (3CFFTS)—and by extension, the Allied Wings team at Southport, where KF Aerospace supports military pilot training through the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program.

With little notice, the team mobilized to support the deployment of several Bell 412CF Outlaw training helicopters, typically used for advanced helicopter instruction. The request quickly grew from three aircraft to four, and within hours, they were prepared, fueled, and airborne—supporting real-world evacuation efforts.

“When word first came in that the school was being tasked to support the evacuation of Canadians from advancing forest fires around Pukatawagan, the Allied Wings team sprang into action preparing assets and supporting the preparations for the deployment of military aircrew,” said Jeff Fletcher, Site Manager, KF Aerospace/Allied Wings.

“I can’t be prouder of the tireless and truly dedicated efforts of the Allied Wings team. When the mission of helping and protecting Canadians was unexpectedly thrust upon them, they rallied and operated as a cohesive unit, delivering exceptional support.”

Over the course of the weekend, the helicopters helped safely move more than 250 people. Crews faced heavy smoke, poor weather, congested airspace, and equipment challenges—yet the aircraft remained fully serviceable throughout. Additional assets were on standby, and all crew needs were met despite the rapidly changing conditions.

None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary behind-the-scenes efforts of the maintenance and logistics teams who ensured everything from inspections and documentation to mission kits, meals, and crew support were in place.

As always, official updates on Operation LENTUS will come from the Canadian Armed Forces. But we want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional work of our Southport team this weekend. You made a real difference.

“The above and beyond efforts of the Allied Wings team have certainly not gone unnoticed by our partners in the Department of National Defence,” said Peter Fedak, VP Of Defence Programs with KF Aerospace. “I believe this operation reinforces the ‘One Team’ approach we have in the CFTS contract and in our day-to-day operations with DND. But this weekend we were reminded it extends beyond our operations – when it comes to helping ensure the safety and security of Canadians, it truly is One Team.”