By Staff Correspondent
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) announced at Farnborough that Widerøe Asset AS (Widerøe) of Norway has signed a purchase agreement for two DHC OEM Certified Refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft. “Widerøe is one of our long-term customers, and we are thrilled to announce their purchase of two DHC OEM Certified Refurbished Aircraft,” stated Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for De Havilland Canada. “We are proud to support Widerøe as they continue to connect the people and communities of Norway using rugged and reliable De Havilland Aircraft.” As the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, Widerøe carries approximately 2.8 million passengers annually, serving over 40 domestic and international destinations.
For over four decades, the Dash 8 family of aircraft has set a high standard for regional turboprop performance, reliability, and efficiency. With more than 46 million flight cycles, these aircraft have excelled in various operations, including those in the most rigorous and challenging environments worldwide. Their success is attributed to unmatched performance and robustness, making the Dash 8 a preferred choice for many operators.
As De Havilland Canada prepares to enhance its production capabilities with new facilities at De Havilland Field near Calgary, Alberta, it is crucial to understand the evolving needs of today’s operators. The launch of these new production facilities presents an opportune moment to assess how a new Dash 8 model could strategically fit into future fleet planning.
To capture insights into customer requirements, De Havilland Canada has formed a Product Strategy Council comprising industry representatives from North America, Oceania, Japan, Africa, and Europe. These discussions aim to gather essential feedback regarding operators’ expectations as their business objectives and passenger preferences continue to advance. This consultative approach mirrors the successful strategy employed prior to the launches of the DHC-515 and the Twin Otter Classic 300G, ensuring that the Dash 8 program remains responsive to market demands.
Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, expressed gratitude to the operators involved in this initiative, highlighting that the Dash 8 remains highly valued across various sectors, including commercial airlines and specialized missions. The enthusiasm generated from the feedback received is driving the team’s commitment to outline a clear roadmap for the future of the Dash 8 program.
In addition to strategizing for new production, De Havilland Canada remains dedicated to enhancing the current Dash 8 platform. Ongoing initiatives include in-service support, cargo conversion upgrades, cabin enhancements, avionics upgrades, and the OEM Certified Refurbishment Program, reflecting the company’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
As the Dash 8 family continues to evolve, De Havilland Canada is poised to redefine its legacy in regional aviation, ensuring that it not only meets current operational demands but also anticipates future challenges and opportunities. This dedication to understanding operator needs and enhancing aircraft capabilities positions the Dash 8 as a vital asset in the competitive landscape of the aviation industry.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited also announced that the Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA) has signed a purchase agreement for a DHC OEM Certified Refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft. Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for De Havilland Canada, stated, “The addition of a De Havilland Canada OEM Certified Refurbished Aircraft to the TGFA fleet provides continuity to the TGFA’s growing national airline program.” He emphasized the suitability of the Dash 8 aircraft for enhancing domestic air travel in Tanzania.
On Day 1 of Farnborough International Airshow ANA Holdings (ANAHD) has signed a letter of intent to purchase seven DHC certified reconditioned Dash 8-400 aircraft. This initiative is part of De Havilland Canada’s commitment to “keep the fleet flying,” which involves the refurbishment and re-marketing of Dash 8-400 aircraft to meet customer demand. The newly acquired aircraft will be integrated into ANAHD’s fleet over the coming years, reconfigured to align with the current specifications of ANA Group’s Dash 8-400s, thereby extending their operational lifespan. Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for De Havilland Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership, stating, “We are pleased to continue to support ANA Group in providing outstanding customer service to their passengers and customers.”
