Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of 30th Dash 8-400 aircraft

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited delivered another two Dash 8-400 aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines. The 30th aircraft – MSN 4617 – is preparing to depart for Ethiopian's hub in Addis Ababa, along with aircraft MSN 4615. Ethiopian first welcomed the Dash 8-400 aircraft into its fleet in March 2010.

"Ethiopian has taken tremendous positive steps to strengthen their capabilities with the acquisition of the first Dash 8-400 simulator for Africa and by recently adding a second simulator; achieving recognition as an Authorized Service Facility; and proving the value of a business class configuration on regional aircraft in Africa,” said Sameer Adam, Regional Vice President, Sales – Europe and Russia, Middle East, Africa, and South America/Caribbean. “We certainly look forward to more examples of Ethiopian's continuing leadership and the success of their ongoing strategic partnerships with ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, Ethiopian Moçambique Airlines and Tchadia Airlines in the operation of Dash 8-400 aircraft across Africa.”

The fleet of over 155 Dash 8 Series aircraft in Africa includes more than 90 Dash 8-400 aircraft. Worldwide, more than 155 airlines, leasing companies and other organizations have ordered almost 1,300 Dash 8 aircraft.

De Havilland Aircraft starts phased return to work of employees

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited announced Monday that the company has started a phased return to work of employees and a measured resumption of activities. In the first phase, approximately 100 employees have returned to work focused on resuming pre-flight activities and delivery of Dash 8-400 aircraft. The phased return to work follows the temporary suspension of manufacturing operations on March 20 to support international efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

"The global aviation industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainty as a result COVID-19 and we are all watching for signs of economic recovery,” said Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada. “As we move forward, we are adjusting the business to reflect the current market demand, as well as for the foreseeable future, and we will proactively manage costs and streamline our operations in all areas of the business.”

During the pause in production and delivery of new Dash 8-400 aircraft, De Havilland Canada continued to provide customer support and technical services to owners and operators of Dash 8 Series aircraft around the world, with most teams working remotely. The teams are responding to numerous requests relating to the reconfiguration of Dash 8 aircraft to support aerial transport services and the delivery of essential cargo during the pandemic. As announced by De Havilland Canada on April 23, Transport's Canada's approval of a new Simplified Package Freighter configuration that can quickly transform the Dash 8-400 aircraft passenger cabin to carry light freight provides a sound solution for operators to redeploy aircraft.

New Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighters will fly under Air Canada Express banner

Chorus Aviation Inc. and its subsidiary Jazz Aviation LP announced Friday that Jazz and Air Canada will begin operating the recently approved Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter developed by De Havilland Canada to short and medium haul markets under the Air Canada Express banner. These reconfigured aircraft will carry a total of 18,000 pounds [8,165 kilograms] of cargo in the passenger cabin and belly.

"This aircraft will allow us to provide critical cargo lift on short and medium-haul routes that have been impacted by the reduction of passenger flights," said Tim Strauss, Vice-President Air Canada Cargo. "The converted cabin, which can accommodate a cargo volume of 1,150 cubic feet is perfectly suited to loose load cargo like medical supplies, personal protective equipment and other goods needed to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19."

On April 11, Air Canada announced they had reconfigured the cabins of three of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to give them additional cargo capacity to transport COVID-19 supplies.

Jazz Aviation first to operate Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and Jazz Aviation LP announced Thursday that Jazz will be the first operator for the recently approved Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter. Under the agreement, Jazz has ordered the Service Bulletin and conversion kits for up to 13 Dash 8-400 aircraft.

“The reconfiguration of Dash 8-400 aircraft into Simplified Package Freighters can be quickly achieved by the removal of seats and seat track covers in the passenger cabin. The reconfiguration, which includes the use of up to 17 nets will provide a potential total payload of up to 17,960 pounds and a total cargo volume of up to 1,150 cubic feet per aircraft," said Todd Young, Chief Operating Officer, De Havilland Canada. "We will work with Jazz to quickly put their Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighters into service and look forward to supplying this solution to other Dash 8-400 aircraft operators around the world to assist in the re-deployment of their fleets to meet the growing demand for airlift of essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic."