Latest news with #DeHavillandCanada

LeMonde
12-07-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
To fight fires from the air, France has only 12 Canadair planes, which are 'an average of 30 years old'
As happens every summer, wildfires are raging across France, particularly in the southern regions along the Mediterranean coast. And as every summer, the question of strengthening firefighting capabilities − especially aerial resources − has returned to the forefront. During a joint purchase organized by the European Union, six member states – France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Croatia – placed an order for 22 next-generation Canadair aircraft at the Paris Air Show (June 16-22). The contract, signed under the aegis of the European Union as part of the RescEU project, stipulates that only two water bombers will be added to the aging fleet of 12 Canadair aircraft operated by French authorities. All of them are "an average of 30 years old," explained Jean-Philippe Côté, vice president of the De Havilland Canada program; their heavy use, especially in marine environments, has accelerated their aging. According to a parliamentary report published on July 2, this has reached the point where none of the 12 Canadair planes "were able to fly on certain days during the summer of 2024."


Arabian Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dash 8 Retrofit Gains Traction with Liquid‑Hydrogen MoU
Conscious Aerospace, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia have entered a strategic Memorandum of Understanding at the Paris Air Show to co-develop a liquid‑hydrogen fuel‑cell retrofit for the De Havilland Canada Dash 8‑300 regional turboprop. The agreement, inked in front of Dutch aviation authorities, aims to outfit the aircraft with hydrogen‑electric propulsion, optimise cabin and cargo configurations, assess route viability, and model operational costs ahead of demonstration flights slated for the decade's end. This trilateral initiative is a major step in aviation's pivot towards decarbonised regional services, harnessing hydrogen fuel‑cell technology to reduce emissions and noise. Conscious Aerospace will supply its liquid‑hydrogen powertrain for integration with the Dash 8‑300 airframe, while KLM and Transavia contribute operational insight and financial backing. Erik Geertsema, CEO of Conscious Aerospace, emphasised the critical importance of ecosystem-wide collaboration. He stated the project brings 'the full ecosystem in place' for pioneering the next phase of CA's hydrogen‑electric retrofit efforts. From KLM, CXO Barry ter Voert echoed a 'start small, think big' philosophy, characterising early deployment as niche yet integral to future scaling. Transavia's COO Marloes van Laake highlighted the pact as pivotal in realising 'cleaner, quieter' aviation. ADVERTISEMENT The Paris MoU complements a web of partnerships already secured by Conscious Aerospace, including support from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, De Havilland Canada and their supply‑chain collaborators. These alliances are critical as the consortium approaches live flight demonstrations before 2030. The Dash 8‑300, derived from the Q‑Series family well‑established in regional markets, operates with a Pratt & Whitney engine and carries roughly 50–60 passengers. Electrifying this airframe with hydrogen fuel cells implies significant adaptations: install cryogenic tanks, integrate electric propulsion mechanics and redesign systems to safely manage hydrogen at extremely low temperatures. Globally, hydrogen remains a frontrunner in aviation decarbonisation. ZeroAvia is targeting certification for its ZA600 fuel‑cell engine in 2027 and continues work on hydrogen‑converted Dash 8‑400 prototypes. In parallel, ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada are exploring hybrid‑electric propulsion for future turboprops like the ATR Evo, aiming for 20% fuel burn reductions by 2035. Achieving liquid‑hydrogen implementation in regional aircraft requires overcoming several technical hurdles: cryogenic fuel storage, hydrogen distribution systems, certification frameworks and infrastructure across airports. The Dutch government's involvement, represented by Deputy Director Lieske Streefkerk‑Arts, reflects growing state support for such sustainable aviation solutions. Cost modelling—another key component of the MoU—must account for liquid‑hydrogen sourcing, which currently comes at a premium compared to conventional Jet‑A fuel. However, expected economies of scale, green hydrogen initiatives and carbon pricing mechanisms may tip the balance. Retrofitted aircraft can prolong the operational lifespan of existing fleets, offering emissions reduction without the cost or delay of new aircraft development. Route viability analysis must also tackle hydrogen performance in various climates. Cryogenic tanks might increase aircraft weight and reduce passenger capacity or range. Air routes under consideration will likely be short to mid‑haul segments under 500 nautical miles — routes on which the Dash 8‑300 already operates efficiently and where the reduced noise profile can improve urban access. Regulatory alignment remains crucial. European authorities, including EASA, are drafting supplemental type certification pathways for hydrogen‑fuel‑cell adaptations. Collaboration between industry, regulators and operators like KLM and Transavia could streamline approval timelines. Despite the challenges, industry momentum is intensifying. FlightGlobal reports that ZeroAvia is in active regulatory discussions with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and confident in achieving in‑service readiness by 2027. Meanwhile, ATR's studies with P&WC highlight a broader commitment to exploring electrical and hydrogen propulsion for turboprops.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tour of De Havilland Canada's Special Mission Aircraft
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Members of the media are invited to attend the Skyservice Business Aviation Hangar at the Ottawa airport for a tour of De Havilland Canada's Special Mission Aircraft. The event will include a walk-through of a waterbomber aircraft and special configuration Dash 8, highlighting De Havilland Canada's capabilities in designing and delivering specialized aircraft solutions for a range of mission profiles. Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025Time: 08:30 am – 12:00 pm(ET)Location: Skyservice Hangar, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International AirportAddress: 350 Comet Pvt. Ottawa. Entrance to static is from the back parking lot on Airbus Private. Photo Opportunity: Tour of the De Havilland Canada Special Mission Aircraft Interview opportunities with spokespersons and subject matter experts Media RSVP:Please confirm your attendance by contacting Jody Moseley at communications@ Note: Valid press credentials will be required for in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tour of De Havilland Canada's Special Mission Aircraft
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Members of the media are invited to attend the Skyservice Business Aviation Hangar at the Ottawa airport for a tour of De Havilland Canada's Special Mission Aircraft. The event will include a walk-through of a waterbomber aircraft and special configuration Dash 8, highlighting De Havilland Canada's capabilities in designing and delivering specialized aircraft solutions for a range of mission profiles. Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025Time: 08:30 am – 12:00 pm(ET)Location: Skyservice Hangar, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International AirportAddress: 350 Comet Pvt. Ottawa. Entrance to static is from the back parking lot on Airbus Private. Photo Opportunity: Tour of the De Havilland Canada Special Mission Aircraft Interview opportunities with spokespersons and subject matter experts Media RSVP:Please confirm your attendance by contacting Jody Moseley at communications@ Note: Valid press credentials will be required for in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
De Havilland Canada announces the expansion of its presence in Greece
ATHENS, Greece, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited ('De Havilland Canada') is pleased to announce the launch of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Hellas Ltd., its new wholly-owned subsidiary in Greece, further strengthening our commitment to providing exceptional customer support to our valued customers in the region. This expansion also reflects De Havilland Canada's deep confidence in the Greek market and its strong cooperation with the Greek government and the relevant aviation authorities. De Havilland Canada Hellas will also function as a strategic base for DHC's regional operations, providing closer proximity and more responsive support to operators of De Havilland Canada's Waterbomber aircraft across Greece. This expansion underscores De Havilland Canada's ongoing commitment to strengthening its global customer support network and ensuring the highest levels of operational efficiency and customer success. It also reinforces the company's long-term dedication to its customers and DHC's commitment to operators in Greece to best support their operations for decades to come. 'We are proud to establish a regional presence in Greece, a country with a strong aviation tradition. This announcement reinforces our commitment to operators in this important market,' said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President, Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. 'This investment will allow us to better address the specific needs of our customers in the region, delivering faster response times, improved parts availability, and personalized support.' Marking a key step forward in their collaboration, Mr. Côté is visiting Athens this week for high-level talks with Greek government officials. Joined by Canada's Ambassador to Greece, Anna-Karine Asselin, he is meeting with Deputy Minister for Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas and Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis. The visit aims to deepen the growing partnership and identify new opportunities for future cooperation. 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: . For media inquiries or further information, please contact: De Havilland Canada communications@