July 22, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — Today at the Farnborough Airshow, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) signed a letter of intent with Island Aviation Services Limited (Maldivian), the national airline of the Maldives, for the purchase of two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. The order will mark the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to be delivered to the Maldives, the world’s largest Twin Otter operating market.
The Maldives has relied on the Twin Otter for decades as the backbone of inter-island transportation. The introduction of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G represents the next chapter in that legacy, bringing the latest evolution of the iconic aircraft to an operator serving one of the world’s most demanding island aviation networks.
“The Maldives has long been known as the home of the Twin Otter,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales for De Havilland Canada. “As the largest Twin Otter market in the world, there is no better place to introduce the next generation of this legendary aircraft. We are proud that Island Aviation Services Limited will become the first operator in the country to bring the Twin Otter Classic 300-G into service, reinforcing a partnership that has connected the islands and their communities for generations.”
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G builds on the aircraft’s unmatched reputation for reliability, and operational flexibility while incorporating modern avionics, enhanced passenger comfort, and improved maintainability to meet the evolving needs of today’s operators.
Island Aviation Services Limited provides essential connectivity throughout the Maldivian archipelago, linking Malé with communities, resorts, and remote islands across the country. The addition of two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s ability to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service while supporting the continued growth of tourism and regional transportation.
“We are proud that we will be the first airline in the Maldives to introduce the Twin Otter Classic 300-G,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director, Island Aviation Services Limited. “The Twin Otter has been an integral part of aviation in the Maldives for decades, and this newest generation aircraft will allow us to continue providing the dependable service our passengers expect while benefiting from the aircraft’s latest technological and operational enhancements.”
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G retains the core strengths operators depend on: exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance and the ability to operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments, while incorporating modern enhancements that support reduced operating costs and increased mission flexibility. With significant weight reduction, the 300-G creates additional capacity for passengers and cargo, further strengthening its operating economics.
With more than 1,000 aircraft produced and millions of flight hours accumulated worldwide, the Twin Otter continues to be the world’s premier utility aircraft, operating in environments ranging from Arctic communities and mountain regions to tropical island destinations. Nowhere has its impact been greater than in the Maldives, where the aircraft has become the standard for safe, dependable inter-island transportation.
About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, proudly designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft we produce creates high-value jobs, strengthens our national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy.
Built in Canada. Made for the world.
With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Our aircraft connect people and places—from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs—carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year.
Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
Discover more at: www.dehavilland.com
Media Contact
Jody Moseley
communications@dehavilland.com
