European certification paves the way for deliveries across Europe, with the first EASA-certified aircraft already in service with Zimex Aviation.

July 22, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that the Twin Otter Classic 300-G has received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking another important milestone for the company’s next generation Twin Otter program.

The certification enables deliveries of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G to operators throughout Europe and other regions that recognize EASA certification. The first EASA-certified aircraft has already been delivered to Switzerland-based Zimex Aviation and is now in commercial operation.

The Twin Otter Classic 300-G builds on more than five decades of proven performance while incorporating modern enhancements that improve reliability, maintainability, and operational capability. The aircraft features the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck, updated systems, reduced empty weight, and OEM-backed product support, while retaining the exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance and rugged versatility that have made the Twin Otter one of the world’s most trusted utility aircraft.

“The Twin Otter has earned its reputation by operating reliably in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales for De Havilland Canada. “Receiving EASA certification is an important milestone for the Classic 300-G and expands opportunities for operators across Europe and beyond. We’re especially pleased that the first EASA-certified aircraft is already flying with Zimex Aviation, demonstrating that the aircraft is delivering on its promise from day one.”

Zimex Aviation, a long-time Twin Otter operator, is the launch customer and first operator of the EASA-certified Twin Otter Classic 300-G. The aircraft supports the company’s global operations, which include humanitarian aid, government support, cargo transport, and special mission flying in remote and challenging environments.

“The Twin Otter has long been an important part of our fleet,” said Daniele Cereghetti, Chief Executive Officer of Zimex Aviation Ltd. “The Classic 300-G builds on everything we value about the aircraft while adding modern technology and improved efficiency. We are proud to be the first operator flying the EASA-certified aircraft and look forward to putting it to work supporting our customers around the world.”

The EASA certification follows the successful introduction of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G and further expands its availability to operators seeking a proven, modern utility aircraft capable of serving remote communities, commercial operators, governments, and special mission customers worldwide.

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

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

July 22, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that its Twin Otter Re-Life Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) programs are now available to operators worldwide, providing new factory-supported options to extend the service life of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

Following the acquisition of the Re-Life STCs, De Havilland Canada worked closely with Transport Canada to complete the transfer and validation of the programs and has now integrated them into its aftermarket product portfolio.

The Re-Life STC programs provide approved life-extension solutions for key structural components, helping operators maximize the value of their aircraft, support continued safe and reliable operations, and better plan long-term fleet maintenance.

“De Havilland Canada has invested significant effort to validate these STCs to the standards customers expect from an original equipment manufacturer,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer at De Havilland Canada. “By making these Re-Life programs available directly through our Aftermarket program, we’re giving operators access to factory-supported life-extension solutions that help protect their investment and keep Twin Otter aircraft flying for years to come.”

The Re-Life STC portfolio now offered by De Havilland Canada includes:

• Wing Box – Extends the wing box service life by replacing key structural components, adding up to 33,000 flight hours or 66,000 flight cycles.
• Flight Controls – Extends the service life of the flaps, ailerons, rudder, and elevators by replacing critical structural components, adding up to 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 flight cycles.
• Engine Nacelles – Replaces the engine nacelles with STC-approved components, extending their service life to 45,000 flight hours or 90,000 flight cycles.
• Fuselage, Horizontal Stabilizer, and Vertical Stabilizer – Extends the service life of the fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer by replacing critical structural components, adding up to 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 flight cycles.

The first Flight Controls Re-Life STC sold by De Havilland Canada is expected to be incorporated later this year.

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

July 21, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) is showcasing the Sherpa at the Farnborough International Airshow, introducing the aircraft to a new generation of operators while highlighting its proven capabilities and versatility across special mission, tactical transport, and humanitarian operations.

Featured on static display throughout the airshow, the Sherpa provides visitors with an opportunity to see one of aviation’s most capable utility aircraft up close. Designed to operate in some of the world’s most demanding environments, the Sherpa combines exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, a spacious cabin and rear loading ramp with the versatility to perform missions where access and reliability are critical.

The Sherpa has stood the test of time and like other De Havilland Canada aircraft, can serve multiple roles including cargo or troop transport, paratroop and other humanitarian missions as it can take off and land in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Its flexibility and dependable performance have earned it a reputation as a trusted workhorse for operators around the world.

“The Sherpa is a unique aircraft with capabilities that remain highly relevant today,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada. “Its ability to operate where other aircraft cannot, combined with its versatility and durability, continues to make it an attractive platform for a wide range of operators. We’re pleased to bring it to Farnborough and reconnect customers with everything this aircraft has to offer.”

The Sherpa joined the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada family in 2019. Valued for robustness and operational flexibility, its legacy lives on through its contribution to regional air transport and specialized operations. Its continued operation reflects the strength of the original design and the enduring value the Sherpa aircraft provide to operators around the world.

De Havilland Canada is bringing the Sherpa to Farnborough to reintroduce the aircraft to the global aerospace community, engage directly with operators and industry partners, and explore future opportunities for this proven utility platform.

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

July 21, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today released a new production update video highlighting the continued progress of the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aerial firefighting program and showcasing the first aircraft taking shape at DHC’s manufacturing facilities.

Production continues to advance, with several major assembly milestones now complete. The cockpit and hull have been successfully joined to form the aircraft’s forward fuselage, the mid-fuselage has been completed and is now being integrated with the forward fuselage, and the program’s first 28.6-metre wing box has also been completed. Together, these milestones mark significant progress as assembly of the first DHC-515 aircraft continues.

“We’re building more than an aircraft, we’re strengthening the future of aerial firefighting,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer of De Havilland Canada. “The progress we’re making reflects the expertise of our team and reinforces our commitment to delivering the DHC-515 to customers who need this unique capability.”

The DHC-515 is the world’s only purpose built amphibious aerial firefighter in production. Building on the proven legacy of the Canadair waterbomber family, it combines decades of operational experience with modern avionics, improved maintainability, and enhanced operational capability to help operators respond to increasingly challenging wildfire seasons.

The production update video offers a behind the scenes look at the manufacturing milestones driving the program forward and is available here.

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

The airline increases its participation in the industry-leading aircraft life extension program, bringing its total commitment to 14 aircraft.

July 20, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that Widerøe has added four more Dash 8-100 aircraft to its Extended Service Program PLUS (ESP+) agreement.

Widerøe became the launch customer for ESP+ in 2022, initially enrolling 10 aircraft with options for an additional 10. With this latest commitment, the airline has now confirmed 14 aircraft in the program.

ESP+ extends the service life of the Dash 8-100 from 120,000 to 160,000 flight cycles, giving it the longest flight-cycle life of any commercial aircraft.

“We’re delighted to continue building on our long-standing relationship with Widerøe through the expansion of the ESP+ program,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada. “Widerøe has been a leader in the adoption of this program from the beginning, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to maximize the value and service life of their Dash 8-100 fleet.”

Widerøe has operated the Dash 8 family for decades, connecting communities across Norway in some of the world’s most demanding operating environments.

“We are pleased to expand our participation in the ESP+ program,” said Werner Skaue, Director of Aircraft Trading for Widerøe. “The Dash 8-100 remains an important part of our regional network, and ESP+ gives us a practical and cost-effective way to extend the life of these aircraft while maintaining the safety, reliability and performance our operations depend on.”

In addition to ESP+, Widerøe also participates in De Havilland Component Solutions, De Havilland Canada’s comprehensive component support program.

The expanded ESP+ commitment highlights De Havilland Canada’s continued investment in aftermarket solutions that help operators extend aircraft life, reduce ownership costs, and keep the proven Dash 8 fleet flying for decades to come.

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

New maintenance program will allow Widerøe’s Dash 8-400 aircraft to spend more time flying and less time in maintenance.

July 20, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that Widerøe, Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, has signed an agreement to implement De Havilland Canada’s new Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program across its fleet of 17 aircraft.

Under the agreement, Widerøe will become the first Dash 8-400 operator to adopt the new maintenance program, which extends the interval between scheduled A-Checks from 800 to 1,200 flight hours. By reducing the number of routine maintenance inspections required, the program allows aircraft to spend more time in service while maintaining the highest standards of safety and airworthiness.

Implementation of the program is now underway and is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.

The longer maintenance interval will help Widerøe reduce aircraft downtime, increase fleet availability, and lower the labour and material costs associated with scheduled maintenance.

“We’re continually looking for ways to help our customers improve fleet performance,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada. “This new program will reduce maintenance costs and allow operators to spend less time in the hangar and more time in the air, while maintaining the high safety and reliability standards the Dash 8 is known for. We’re pleased that Widerøe is leading the way as our launch customer.”

De Havilland Canada’s confidence in the program builds on its longstanding relationship with Widerøe. In 2021, the two companies successfully introduced similar maintenance interval extensions for Widerøe’s Dash 8-100, -200 and -300 aircraft, increasing the time between both A-Checks and C-Checks while maintaining the same high standards of safety and reliability.

The agreement reflects De Havilland Canada’s ongoing commitment to developing practical maintenance solutions that help operators improve fleet availability, reduce operating costs, and maximize the value of their Dash 8 aircraft.

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

July 16, 2026 (Calgary, AB) — De Havilland Canada, manufacturers of the De Havilland Canadair 515 waterbomber, released a study undertaken by Pollara on the perceptions of Canadians towards wildfires and wildfire response.

From coast-to-coast, Canadians believe that wildfires have become worse over the last decade and they believe a federal investment in a national waterbomber fleet that can be accessed by the provinces when needed is essential to protecting Canada during wildfire seasons.

“89 percent of Canadians believe that it is time for a federal investment in waterbombers to assist provinces when needed in protecting their communities and environment,” said Neil Sweeney, Vice President, Corporate Affairs for De Havilland Canada.  “As summers become longer and hotter, the time for a significant investment in wildfire fighting capacity is now.”

A federal investment in new aircraft would create jobs across the country and rebuild the sovereign aerospace capacity and supply chain as envisioned in the Defence Industrial Strategy.

“A national waterbomber fleet would create jobs today and for the long term,” said Sweeney.  “Aircraft produced in 1971 are still flying in Europe today and creating manufacturing and engineering jobs here in Canada.”

Canadians also believe that when our fleet isn’t required, that a national waterbomber fleet should be made available to other countries to protect and defend their communities during non-Canadian wildfire seasons.

“Canadians believe that wildfire seasons in Canada are getting worse and that it is time for the federal government to provide more assistance to the provinces who do an excellent job with the resources available,” said Sweeney.  “We wholeheartedly agree with the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry who last month called for a national waterbomber fleet to be established by Canada.  Wildfires won’t wait—it’s time for a national waterbomber fleet.”

View the “Canadian Perceptions: Wildfire Response” full polling data here. 

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.

Media Contact

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
communications@dehavilland.com