Airline aviation is not all about Boeing and Airbus and one of the most popular regional aircraft is the Dash-8, now part of the line-up of the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada company.
De Havilland Canada recently confirmed a long-term commitment to the global Dash 8 operator community and outlined future investments in its organisation, systems and infrastructure.
David Curtis, Executive Chairman of Longview Aviation Capital, De Havilland Canada’s parent company, said, “We fully expect worldwide demand for the Dash 8 to return once the industry has recovered from the pandemic.
“The aircraft’s characteristics – including low operating costs, low emissions impact, and performance capabilities that support efficient regional operations – will make the Dash 8 an important part of the aviation industry’s post-pandemic recovery.”
De Havilland Canada’s plan includes:
- Investing in customer services and support team, distribution network and information technology to reduce the operating cost of the Dash 8 platform
- Developing upgrades and modifications to the Dash 8, including packages that create a best-in-class freighter with unmatched operating and financial attributes
- Introducing cabin refurbishment features such as an overhead bin extension solution which improves the cost-efficiency of in-service Dash 8
- Actively innovating across the aircraft platform, including product improvements that will reduce operating and ownership costs and help prepare Dash 8 fleets for the aviation industry’s move to greater sustainability.
In addition to these investments, De Havilland Canada continues to provide 24/7/365 customer support, and inventory over 35,000 part numbers required to serve the operating fleet from parts distribution locations in Canada and around the globe.
New Aircraft Pause
Given prevailing industry circumstances, De Havilland Canada will not produce new Dash 8-400 aircraft at its Downsview, Toronto site beyond currently confirmed orders. Approximately 500 employees will be affected by the production pause.
De Havilland Canada’s objective is to resume new aircraft delivery at the earliest possible time, subject to market demand.
Longview holds the Type Certificates for the entire product line of the original De Havilland aircraft company including the Twin Otter and the DHC-1 through DHC-8- 400 series, as well as the Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft, and the Shorts Skyvan, 360, 330 and Sherpa family of aircraft.