One key highlight, looking away from the mega blockbuster order from Airbus today, was from De Havilland who had a big day indeed at the Paris Air Show.
From revealing a new aircraft to securing some orders for that new aircraft, they definitely put out the stops today on their first day.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
De Havilland’s Brand New Twin Otter Showcased at the Paris Air Show…
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Meet the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G, the latest addition to the Twin Otter family within the De Havilland remit.
The Classic 300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft, joining the current Series 400. All DHC-6 Twin Otters carry passengers, transport VIPs, move cargo, conduct medivac operations, and perform special missions in the world’s most unforgiving environments.
When mounted on amphibious floats, these aircraft move seamlessly between paved surfaces and water-landing areas.
Commenting on the new aircraft type was Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada:
“For over 50 years, the DHC-6 Twin Otter has stood alone as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class”.
“After extensive consultation with our customers, we are poised and proud to take this iconic aircraft to new heights with the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G.”
“With the same rugged airframe, propelled by Pratt & Whitney technology, the lighter weight Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload range and decreased operating costs for our customers,”
“Along with an all-new cabin interior and flight deck featuring the Garmin G1000® NXi fully integrated avionics suite, De Havilland Canada is once again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward.”
Two Orders Came for the New Twin Otter Variant…
The first of two orders announced today at the Paris Air Show by De Havilland started with Jetcraft, who signed a deal with the Canadian manufacturer for 10 units of the new Twin Otter variant.
“We are proud to work with Jetcraft Commercial on a global leasing solution and welcome them to the DHC community as a launch customer for our newest aircraft, the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer, De Havilland Canada.
“With the same rugged airframe, the lighter weight DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload range and decreased operating costs for our customers. De Havilland Canada is once again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward.”
“We believe that the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G represents the best in-class commuter aircraft solution,” said Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial.
“This versatility enables the aircraft to operate into areas where regional aircraft cannot go and provide air connectivity there.
The second order came from flybig, who placed a Purchase Agreement to acquire two Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft and a Letter of Interest to acquire 10 new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft at their chalet at the Paris Air Show.
Such a deal was good news for the other family of aircraft that De Havilland operate in the Twin Otter family.
“We are proud to welcome flybig as our first Twin Otter Series 400 operator in India, and for them to explore a potential future purchase of 10 new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer, De Havilland Canada.
“Helping connect remote communities is at the heart of what these aircraft are all about.”
“Twin Otters are the perfect aircraft for India’s UDAN regional airport development program, part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for improving underserviced air routes and connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities,” said Sanjay Mandavia, Chairman and Managing Director of flybig.
“Our two Series 400 aircraft will help realize our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to connect India’s hinterland, and we are looking forward to working with De Havilland Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-G.”
Overall…
It remains clear that the Twin Otter is making a resurgence once again, and these deals at the Paris Air Show will give them the exposure needed for future business moving forward.
From the tough times De Havilland has had over the years, it is nice to see them back on a positive footing once again.
It also shows that the Twin Otter is an aircraft, that will continue to thrive and add to it’s continued long-standing history.
