De Havilland Canada (DHC) has unveiled an ambitious new program aimed at breathing new life into its iconic Dash 8 aircraft fleet.
This initiative is known as the De Havilland Canada OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. It builds on the company’s successful efforts to upgrade and modernize its aerial firefighting aircraft.
Origins of the Program
The roots of this program can be traced back to 2018, when De Havilland Aircraft of Canada was operating as Viking Air.
It launched a project to convert and upgrade previously used CL-215 aircraft into the more advanced CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter.
Nine out of eleven aircraft have already been completed. The success of this endeavor has paved the way for a similar approach to be applied to the versatile and widely-used Dash 8 fleet.
Dash 8 Program Overview
The Dash 8 refurbishment program represents DHC’s commitment to “keep the fleet flying” by acquiring, upgrading, and re-marketing aircraft to meet the specific needs of each customer.
This initiative is particularly appealing to operators looking to expand their existing Dash 8 fleets or to those entering the Dash 8 market for the first time.
All maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work associated with the program will take place at DHC’s state-of-the-art facilities in Calgary, Alberta.
This centralized approach ensures consistent quality and allows DHC to leverage its extensive expertise in Dash 8 systems and operations.
Aircraft Refurbishment Options
The program offers a wide range of refurbishment options, including:
- Aircraft configuration adjustments to match customers’ existing fleets
- Completion of overdue maintenance tasks
- Integration of Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletin upgrades
- Airframe life extensions through the Extended Service Plan (ESP) and ESP+
- Freighter conversions, featuring the new Dash 8-400 Large Cargo Door
- Avionics upgrades to enhance cockpit capabilities
These options allow operators to tailor their refurbished Dash 8 aircraft to meet specific operational requirements and market demands.
Program Progress and Future Outlook
To date, De Havilland Canada has acquired 28 Dash 8-400 aircraft for the refurbishment program, demonstrating the company’s commitment to its success.
This initiative aligns with DHC’s recently announced roadmap for the future of the Dash 8 platform.
Operators have long celebrated Dash 8 aircraft for their ruggedness, extended service life, unique performance capabilities, and market-leading operating economics.
The DHC OEM Certified Refurbishment Program aims to build upon these strengths, extending the operational life of these aircraft.
Comprehensive Support
As the original equipment manufacturer, De Havilland Canada uniquely provides turnkey solutions to its customers. Program participants will benefit from:
- Access to DHC’s engineering and Design Approval Organization (DAO) support
- Local parts depot for efficient maintenance and repairs
- Unparalleled program expertise and historical knowledge
- Comprehensive support services during delivery and entry into service phases
This holistic approach ensures that customers receive not just a refurbished aircraft, but a complete package of support.
Conclusion
The De Havilland Canada OEM Certified Refurbishment Program represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to supporting the global Dash 8 fleet.
By offering a cost-effective way to modernize and extend the life of these versatile aircraft, DHC is helping operators meet the challenges of today’s aviation landscape while preparing for the future.
As the program progresses, it will likely play a crucial role in maintaining the Dash 8’s leadership position in regional aviation for years to come.
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