De Havilland Canada

Calgary – October 18, 2026 -- Eighty-nine percent of Canadians believe the federal government should invest in waterbombers to assist provinces when needed, according to a Pollara study released by De Havilland Canada, maker of the Canadair 515 waterbomber.

Poll finds Canadians see wildfires worsening over the past decade

The study, titled "Canadian Perceptions: Wildfire Response," measured public attitudes toward wildfires and the response to them. Respondents across the country said wildfires have become worse over the last decade. They also called a federal investment in a national waterbomber fleet, accessible to the provinces on request, essential to protecting Canada during wildfire seasons.

Farnborough – October 18, 2026 -- Widerøe has become the launch customer for De Havilland Canada's Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program, which extends scheduled A-Check intervals from 800 to 1,200 flight hours across the Scandinavian carrier's fleet of 17 aircraft.

Widerøe becomes first Dash 8-400 operator to adopt the extended interval

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited announced the agreement with Widerøe, which it describes as Scandinavia's largest regional airline. Implementation is underway and is expected to finish within the next 12 months.

The 50% longer interval cuts the number of routine A-Check inspections each aircraft requires. De Havilland Canada says the program maintains safety and airworthiness standards.

Farnborough – October 18, 2026 -- De Havilland Canada signed a letter of intent with Maldivian, the Maldives' national airline Island Aviation Services Limited, for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow. The order would mark the first Classic 300-G deliveries to the Maldives, the world's largest Twin Otter operating market.

Island Aviation Services would become first Classic 300-G operator in the Maldives

The deal covers two aircraft. Island Aviation Services Limited links Malé with communities, resorts and remote islands across the Maldivian archipelago. The airline says the new aircraft will strengthen its service while supporting tourism and regional transportation growth.

Farnborough – October 18, 2026 -- De Havilland Aircraft of Canada has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the Twin Otter Classic 300-G, clearing deliveries to operators across Europe and other regions that recognize EASA approval.

Zimex Aviation flies first EASA-certified Classic 300-G in commercial service

The first EASA-certified aircraft has already been delivered to Switzerland-based Zimex Aviation, which is the launch customer and first operator. The aircraft is in commercial operation.

Zimex is a long-time Twin Otter operator. It uses the aircraft for global operations that include humanitarian aid, government support, cargo transport and special mission flying in remote environments.