De Havilland Aircraft of Canada takes flight

The iconic De Havilland aviation brand is continuing its return to global prominence at the Paris Air Show. In a ceremony at the event, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited formally received the type certificates for the entire Dash 8 aircraft program, including the 100, 200 and 300 series and the in-production 400.

“We have great ambitions for the Dash 8 program and are excited to begin the next phase for this aircraft under a new company name that recalls some of the greatest innovations in aviation history.  There have always been echoes of the De Havilland brand in the ‘DHC’ type names of many current aircraft, and we are pleased to re-energize the name and to re-introduce De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited as an operating company. We will be focusing on the cost competitiveness of these aircraft across the lifespan, from production to parts and in-service support,” said David Curtis, chairman, Longview Aviation Capital, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s parent company. “The heart of the Longview Aviation Capital business has been superior in-service support, and we intend to apply that expertise to this aircraft program. In the months ahead we will be investing in this part of the business, in our inventory operations and supply chain processes — all with the aim of positioning us to better serve our customers.”

“The Dash 8 turboprop program has momentum, including the introduction last fall of the new 90-seat configuration of the 400 series. The aircraft fits well into the fleets of operators seeking to capitalize on increasing regional demand, providing strong per-unit economics,” added Todd Young, chief operating officer, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. “There is a solid existing order book and we will continue to aggressively market the aircraft while working with current operators to ensure the in-service worldwide fleet performs effectively. Our team is delighted to become De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, and we look forward to writing the next chapter of this storied brand.”

Also attending the Paris Air Show was Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.  “Canada continues to punch above its weight in the global aerospace industry, and the return of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada as an operating company connects the dynamism of today’s industry to a rich heritage,” said Bains. “I am pleased to see the continuation of the Dash 8’s legacy in Canada, congratulate Longview Aviation Capital for building such a significant Canadian aviation success, and look forward to the creation of more well-paid and highly-skilled jobs in this key sector of our economy.”

The type certificate ceremony follows the launch of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited on June 3, 2019 with the completion of the transaction through which Longview Aviation Capital acquired the entire Dash 8 program including the 100, 200 and 300 series and the in-production 400 program. The Dash 8 joins Longview’s comprehensive portfolio of aircraft programs, including the Twin Otter program and the DHC-1 through DHC-7 series, as well as the former Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 waterbomber aircraft.

Delivery of first Dash 8-400

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited also announced the delivery of its first Dash 8-400 aircraft following the completion of the transition of the Dash 8/Q Series aircraft program from Bombardier Inc. to De Havilland Canada on June 1, 2019.  The aircraft was delivered to Qazaq Air JSC of Kazakhstan and will become the fifth Dash 8-400 turboprop in the airline’s fleet.

Order from TAAG Angola Airlines

De Havilland Aircraft has announced that TAAG Angola Airlines E.P. has purchased six Dash 8-400 aircraft. TAAG is the state-owned, national airline of Angola. This order was announced by Bombardier Commercial Aircraft on March 29, 2019 as an order from an unidentified customer.

The disclosure of the previously unidentified customer was done during a press conference at the 53rd International Paris Air Show.