BTN reported on 1 February this year the likelihood that the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 might be coming to the end of its production life.  This has been followed up by a statement from owner Longview Aviation Capital. Longview also owns Viking Aircraft, unique in reintroducing an out of production aircraft, the DHC Twin Otter. (See BTN 1 February DHC Dash 8 – The end?)

The Q400 is produced at the Downsview plant in the suburbs of Toronto, the home of De Havilland Canada since 1928.  The site was retained by previous owner Bombardier and will close later this year with the completion of the final aircraft, what the company calls “a production pause.”  Longview says there are a number of excellent production site options in Canada, and the company will be ready to meet new aircraft demand as the industry recovers.

In the meantime De Havilland Canada is introducing enhancements that will ensure the Dash 8 remains at the forefront of the regional aircraft market around the world:

• Investing significant capital in the 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 24hr 365 days customer support, with an inventory of over 35,000 part numbers required to serve the operating fleet from distribution locations in Canada and around the globe.

https://dehavilland.com

www.lvav.ca