With Longview Aviation taking over Bombardier’s interest in the Dash8 programme, a name that has not been forgotten to return to the skies. Welcome De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Longview Aviation Capital Corp launched De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. It’s an important step as this organisation will operate the world-wide Dash 8 aircraft business.
The launch comes with Longview acquiring the entire Dash 8 programme. This includes:
- Dash 8 – 100
- Dash 8 – 200
- Dash 8 -300
- Dash 8 – Q400 (currently in production).
Thus, the Bombardier Q400 becomes the De Havilland Dash 8 Q400.
The Dash 8 family joins Longview’s other development programmes including the Twin Otter program and the DHC-1 through DHC-7 series, as well as the former Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 waterbomber aircraft.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited will continue to produce, service and support Dash 8 and Q400 aircraft from the Downsview site in Toronto under land lease agreements which extend until 2023. Todd Young who lead the Q-Series Programme at Bombardier will now lead the business as Chief Operating Officer.
The new company will inherit nearly all of the previous Downsview workforce with them transitioning to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.
In quotes
David Curtis, Chairman, Longview Aviation Capital:
“We are thrilled to assume responsibility for this exceptional aircraft program, and welcome the more than 1200 professionals that are joining De Havilland Aircraft of Canada from Bombardier. We aim to enhance the tradition of excellence around this aircraft by ensuring we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our customers, with a focus on the cost competitiveness of these aircraft across the lifespan, from production to parts and in-service support. In the months ahead we will be investing in the business with the aim of positioning us to better serve our customers.”
“We are particularly proud to introduce De Havilland Aircraft of Canada as an operating company and return the De Havilland Canada brand to prominence in the global aerospace industry. The iconic De Havilland name dates back almost one hundred years, and is responsible for some of the most renowned aircraft in aviation history. The combination of the Dash 8 with the existing Longview Aviation Capital portfolio unites the entire De Havilland product line under the same banner for the first time in decades. With a new corporate identity that draws on the rich brand heritage, we are excited about the opportunities we see ahead for this company, and for the Dash 8 aircraft.”
Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer states
“We are excited to begin the next chapter for this aircraft program and to share the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada brand with the world,”
“Our team at Downsview is engaged and motivated, and we look forward to working with our customers, suppliers and industry partners to maintain the Dash 8 turboprop’s position as one of the world’s most important commercial aircraft.”
A re-emergence
de Havilland Aircraft of Canada has a long history – dating back to 1928 when it started to build Moth aircraft and training Canadian Airmen. Since then it has been brought by Boeing and most recently, Bombardier.
Now under new ownership, there’s a chance for the Q400 family to thrive, compete for orders under its own muscle.
With plenty of room to fight in the Turboprop market – there are still wins to be had and orders to fill. It’ll be exciting seeing what de Havilland can do.
As well as writing this under every Dash 8 Q400 post.
FlyBe de Havilland of Canada Dash 8 Q400 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
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