Calgary, Alberta, September 5, 2023 – Today, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) announced that Ryan DeBrusk will be joining its leadership team as Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, effective September 6, 2023.

DeBrusk’s aerospace career has spanned decades with experience leading customer service, sales and marketing departments for both Bombardier Inc. and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and has global experience working with customers in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and North America.

“I am excited to lead the Sales and Marketing department at De Havilland Canada having worked previously on the Dash 8 platform both at Bombardier and NAC,” said DeBrusk. “This new role allows me to return to the Dash 8 market while also engaging with customers on the other terrific aircraft we produce and support.”

“Ryan’s addition to De Havilland Canada solidifies our customer-focused leadership team and provides our organization with additional expertise that will further drive our strategy to be recognized globally for the quality aircraft and products we produce, support and refurbish,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “Ryan’s record for developing solid client relationships and building strong cross-functional sales teams will be key to De Havilland Canada’s growth as a business, employer and economic driver in Canada.”

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance and coastal surveillance. Visit: https://dehavilland.com

De Havilland Canada and Dash 8 are trademarks of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.

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De Havilland Canada
Communications
communications@dehavilland.com

Calgary, Alberta, March 8, 2023 – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) has launched a new program with the not-for-profit organization Women in Aerospace Canada (“WIA-Canada”) to advance career development opportunities for women across the company and Canada’s aerospace sector. The program, Women in Aerospace at De Havilland Canada, is a six-month development initiative that will see its first participants undertake leadership, mentorship, and skills-development activities.

“WIA-Canada is the perfect partner to help us launch this initiative. The program aligns where we want to go as a company with our increased focus on upskilling and diversifying our workforce,” said Brenda Allen, Chief People Officer, De Havilland Canada. “De Havilland Canada wants to help shape the future of aerospace in Canada, and that means building programs like this that push the sector forward.”

“WIA-Canada is dedicated to supporting aerospace companies in their efforts to expand career opportunities for women,” said Nancy Barber, President of WIA Canada and De Havilland Canada executive member. “Our industry has so many talented women professionals who are making a difference, and Canadian aerospace will be better when more are in leadership positions. We are thrilled to be partnering with De Havilland Canada and commend them on their strong commitment to the WIA Program.”

Under the new program, an initial cohort of women from across De Havilland Canada’s Calgary, Victoria, and Toronto offices will participate in training and ongoing mentorship with executive team members. In addition, the program features in-person events, exposure to experts, and dedicated funding for each participant to engage in self-directed learning.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to cultivate future leaders and, with the support of WIA-Canada, we look forward to welcoming more women into the program down the road,” said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer, De Havilland Canada. “De Havilland Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace. The creation of this program is something that all of us at De Havilland Canada can be very proud of.”

WATCH NOW: DHC – Women in Aerospace

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well-established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. https://dehavilland.com

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De Havilland Canada
Communications
communications@dehavilland.com

Victoria, BC, February 2, 2022 – Longview Aviation Capital has announced that De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited will become the operating brand for the companies currently operating as Longview Aviation, Viking Air, Pacific Sky Training and De Havilland Canada, which combined currently support over 1000 aerospace jobs across Canada.

“Our acquisition of the De Havilland Dash-8 program from Bombardier in 2019 united the entire De Havilland product line for the first time in decades, and we are proud to consolidate our aviation assets under the iconic De Havilland banner,” said Longview Aviation Capital owner, Sherry Brydson. “The De Havilland name is globally renowned and carries a reputation for being designed for rugged use, historic innovation and an iconic safety performance record due to high quality Canadian manufacturing and we are we excited about the opportunities ahead of us as a single brand.”

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has been manufacturing aircraft since 1928 and is known for producing high-quality, long-lasting aircraft that can operate in the world’s toughest climates. With a current fleet of over 3000 aircraft in service around the globe, from the iconic Chipmunk, Beaver and Twin Otter through the Dash 8 series, De Havilland Canada aircraft are responsible for getting people and goods to their destination each day, safely and reliably.

Over the coming weeks, De Havilland Canada will begin integrating the people and operations of Viking Air, Pacific Sky Training and the Longview-named businesses under the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited brand in order to bring better service and products to our customers through a one-window approach.

In addition to announcing the new organizational structure, De Havilland Canada has also named Brian Chafe as the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Chafe as the Chief Executive Officer for De Havilland Canada,” said Ms. Brydson. “Brian’s deep experience as a customer-focused leader of a diversified and globally prominent Canadian aerospace company will be invaluable as we continue to build a strong De Havilland Canada for the future.”

Chafe is an experienced executive in the Canadian aerospace industry most recently as Chief Executive Officer of the PAL Group, a diversified global aerospace company active across a range of sectors including aircraft engineering, maintenance & modification, in-service support, special missions, and search & rescue. Under Mr. Chafe’s leadership PAL successfully grew into a number of new product and geographic markets, developed an in-house R&D capacity, and developed into the global leader in maritime surveillance.

“It is a privilege to lead De Havilland Aircraft of Canada into its second century,” said Chafe. “De Havilland Canada’s products are unrivalled in the regional and utility turboprop segment of the industry and that is the product of its talented team of aviation professionals. This foundation is why I am so bullish on our ability to lead the growth of the aerospace sector in Canada as the world economy rebounds from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. Visit: https://dehavilland.com

Contact:

De Havilland Canada
Communications
communications@dehavilland.com

SIDNEY, BC, June 16, 2021– Longview Aviation Capital Corp., manager of a portfolio of long-term investments in the Canadian aerospace industry including De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and Viking Air Ltd., today announced that David Curtis will be retiring as Executive Chairman, effective August 1, 2021.

Mr. Curtis began his tenure with Viking in 1983, becoming President and CEO in 1991. Under his leadership, Viking grew to become a prominent global specialty aircraft company, and the only company to successfully re-launch an out-of-production aircraft, bringing the Series 400 Twin Otter back into production in 2010. He was also instrumental in executing the vision to build a leading Canadian aerospace enterprise, including spearheading the acquisitions of the CL-215/415 waterbomber program in 2016, and the Dash 8 aircraft program in 2019, bringing together the entire original product line of the De Havilland aircraft company. Today the combined enterprise operates manufacturing and aircraft service support in locations across Canada, and in addition to the De Havilland Type Certificates also holds the Shorts Skyvan, 360, 330 and Sherpa family of aircraft.

“Dave has been the leader of a great Canadian success story, and leaves behind an amazing legacy in the global aerospace industry,” said Bill Sheffield, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of Longview Aviation Capital. “He has overseen the evolution of this business from a small Vancouver Island-based service company into a global leader in specialty and turboprop aircraft, with an iconic portfolio of aircraft, and a stable foundation based on diverse revenue streams. Our aviation business has a bright future, and is well positioned to remain at the forefront of the industry as the world emerges from the effects of the pandemic. On behalf of the Board, and our employees, we thank Dave for his many contributions, and wish him well in his richly deserved retirement.”

“It has been a true privilege to work alongside the women and men who have made, and continue to make, our portfolio what it is,” said Mr. Curtis. “I joined Viking because of my passion for aviation, and I am proud that our companies have contributed to the development of the Canadian aerospace industry. I am most proud that our team has helped demonstrate that with vision, commitment and spirit even small companies working outside the limelight can take on the world and accomplish big things.”

Added Mr. Curtis: “The time is right to turn over leadership to a new generation of visionaries. This organization has all the qualities necessary to lead the post-pandemic industry, including talented people, great assets, and a committed owner with a long-term perspective. With the industry in the midst of a transition, it is an excellent time for renewed leadership with a focus on charting the future for these great aircraft programs.”

As it pursues the opportunities of a transitioning industry, David Riggs will lead the business having been appointed Chief Transformation Officer of the entire aviation enterprise including De Havilland and Viking. Mr. Riggs has served as Chief Transformation Officer of De Havilland since June 2020 and has a long track record in the aviation industry, including consulting to Viking on the restart of production of the Twin Otter. Don Boitson, currently Chief Operating Officer responsible for Western Canada operations, will take on that role for the entire enterprise including the Viking and De Havilland operations, reporting to Mr. Riggs. Todd Young, who has more than 30 years of experience with De Havilland aircraft, will provide additional support as an advisor to the management team. An international search is underway for a new Chief Executive Officer for the combined aviation enterprise. The Board will seek a proven leader to focus on growing the aircraft businesses, founded on a commitment to customer service and a passion for strengthening De Havilland as an anchor of the Canadian aerospace industry. More details on the search will be available in the coming weeks.

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well established across the globe and our talented team of aviation professionals is dedicated to advancing our near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Our aircraft operate reliably in some of the world’s harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. Our aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance. Visit: https://dehavilland.com

Contact:

De Havilland Canada
Communications
communications@dehavilland.com