This morning at the Paris Air Show, DeHavilland Canada announced that it will be producing a new version of its DHC-6 Twin Otter. The Twin Otter first flew in 1965 and the new model will be named the Twin Otter Classic 300-G.
The company also announced that it has purchase agreements plus letters of intent for 45 aircraft, which will be revealed during the air show. The initial customer for the plane will be Jetcraft Commercial, an aircraft lessor, who committed to ten aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2024.
“We believe that the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G represents the best-in-class commuter aircraft solution,” said Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial. “This versatility enables the aircraft to operate into areas where regional aircraft cannot go and provide air connectivity there
“Our boots-on-the-ground structure enables us to take on numerous aircraft with confidence because we know where demand lives, and where best to place them,” said Haddad. “We are thrilled to be working alongside De Havilland Canada as it brings this new, innovative product to market.”
DeHavilland Canada and flybig also announced that the carrier will be the first Twin Otter Series 4000 operator in India, and to explore the future purchase of 10 new DHC-6-Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft.
“Twin Otters are the perfect aircraft for India’s UDAN regional airport development program, part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for improving under-serviced air routes and connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities,” said Sanjay Mandavia, Chairman and Managing Director of flybig. “Our two Series 400 aircraft will help realize our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to connect India’s hinterland, and we are looking forward to working with De Havilland Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-G.”
flybig is promoted by Gurugram-based Big Charter Private Limited, led by Capt. Sanjay Mandavia who is the airline’s Chairman and Managing Director. flybig, the leading regional airline in India continues to support the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, of giving a major economic boost to the hinterland regions of our nation by providing air connectivity to tier-2 & 3 cities through the UDAN scheme. flybig has expanded its operations to 11 stations by operating 24 flights daily. With the addition of this new aircraft the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300-G, looking ahead flubig plans for further expansion to North India by offering connectivity to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, including adding Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Hindon, Ludhiana, and Bathinda to their network.
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G
The new aircraft will be the fifth generation of the Twin Otter and will join the current Series 400 that is in production with Viking Air. The Twin Otter is a rugged aircraft that has been used in multiple capacities over the years, including passenger service, VIP transport, cargo, medivac, and special mission operation for militaries around the world. An amphibious version of the aircraft is available with floats and can operate on both paved services and water when so equipped.
DeHavilland Canada CEO Brian Chafe said “For over 50 years the DHC-6 Twin Otter has stood alone as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class. After extensive consultation with our customers, we are poised and proud to take this iconic aircraft to new heights with the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G. With the same rugged airframe, propelled by Pratt & Whitney technology, the lighter-weight Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload and/or range with decreased operating costs for our customers. DeHavilland Canada is again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward, along with an all-new cabin interior and flight deck featuring the Garmin G1000® NXi fully integrated avionics suite.” DeHavilland Canada plans to build the aircraft in its Alberta and British Columbia facilities.
