The De Havilland nameplate is officially back in business thanks to the newly-resurrected company’s first firm order for a Dash 8 400 aircraft. Air Tanzania has ordered a single aircraft configured with 78 seats and two lavatories. The airline already operates four Q400 aircraft, the type’s designation when it was built by Bombardier. Longview Aviation Capital, the parent of Viking Air, bought the program from Bombardier in June and changed the name to reflect the heritage of modern product. It continues to build the aircraft at Bombardier’s former Downsview facilities in Toronto.
Although it’s just a single aircraft, De Havilland officials say it bodes well for the future of the program. “We expect that the aircraft’s unique capabilities, proven reliability and best-in-class environmental footprint will continue to generate sales globally and that we will build on our diversified customer base,” said COO Todd Young. It’s also exploring markets beyond the airlines for the planes, which can be configured for cargo and even aerial firefighting.