MRO & Manufacturing
De Havilland Canada Advances Production of DHC-515 Firefighting Aircraft
De Havilland Canada progresses DHC-515 amphibious firefighting aircraft production with key milestones and orders from EU and Canadian provinces.
This article is based on an official press release from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.
On March 10, 2026, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) issued a comprehensive production update regarding the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) amphibious firefighting aircraft. The announcement marks a critical milestone in the revival of heavy waterbomber manufacturing, a sector that had seen no new purpose-built aircraft produced for nearly a decade. As global wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe, the resumption of this production line represents a vital development for international aerial firefighting fleets.
According to the official press release, manufacturing is actively progressing at the company’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta. The update provided a detailed look at the structural assembly of the first DHC-515 airframes, alongside a robust overview of the aircraft’s growing international and domestic orders book. The program, which officially launched in March 2022, is now moving steadily toward its first scheduled deliveries.
We have reviewed the production data, historical context, and order specifications provided by De Havilland Canada and associated industry research to outline the current status of the DHC-515 program.
Production Milestones and Manufacturing Progress
Fuselage and Wing Box Assembly
De Havilland Canada’s update highlighted several major structural achievements on the Calgary aerostructure assembly line. The company confirmed that the forward fuselage of the first DHC-515 has been successfully formed by joining the aircraft’s cockpit and hull. This structural integration is a primary indicator that the initial airframe is moving out of the component phase and into major assembly.
Additionally, the manufacturer announced the completion of the first DHC-515 wing box. Measuring 28.6 meters in length, this massive structure is a critical component of the aircraft’s high-wing design, which is engineered to withstand the extreme aerodynamic stresses of low-altitude firefighting operations.
Supply Chain and Avionics Integration
The production of the DHC-515 relies on a modernized Canadian aerospace supply chain. In January 2025, Firan Technology Group (FTG) Corporation was selected to supply updated cockpit control panel assemblies. According to the program’s supply chain data, the design and production of these components are currently taking place at FTG’s Toronto facility. The first completed DHC-515 is expected to be certified and delivered to Greece in 2028, establishing the timeline for the integration of these advanced systems.
Global Demand and Growing Order Book
European Union Consortium
The DHC-515 has secured a substantial backlog of orders, driven heavily by European nations seeking to replace aging fleets. De Havilland is currently producing 22 aircraft for a consortium of European Union customers, which includes Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France.
Greece has been particularly proactive in its fleet modernization. The Greek government previously approved a €361 million ($384 million) purchase agreement for seven DHC-515s. Deliveries for the Greek fleet are scheduled between 2027 and 2030. Notably, two of these aircraft are being financed through the European Union’s rescEU civil protection program, underscoring the strategic regional importance of these waterbombers.
Canadian Provincial Fleet Modernization
Domestic demand within Canada is also driving the DHC-515 production schedule. De Havilland has signed contracts with the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta to supply new aircraft for their respective wildfire management agencies.
In February 2026, the Alberta government announced a C$400 million ($292 million) investment to acquire five DHC-515s. According to provincial statements, these new waterbombers will join Alberta’s existing fleet, which currently includes four older CL-215s and 14 other airtankers, with the first delivery expected in the spring of 2031. Furthermore, the province of Manitoba has confirmed its intent to purchase three DHC-515 aircraft to bolster its own emergency response capabilities.
Aircraft Specifications and Legacy
Performance and Capabilities
The DHC-515 is engineered specifically for the rigorous and dangerous demands of aerial firefighting. It is an enhanced, modernized iteration of its famous predecessors, featuring significant upgrades in avionics and operational efficiency.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the aircraft boasts the following capabilities:
- Capacity: The water tanks can hold up to 6,137 liters (1,621 US gallons) of water.
- Refill Speed: The aircraft is capable of scooping water from lakes or seas to completely refill its tanks in just 12 seconds while skimming the surface.
- Performance: Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, the DHC-515 maintains a normal cruise speed of roughly 333 km/h to 346 km/h (187 knots).
- Avionics: The flight deck is equipped with a state-of-the-art Universal Avionics’ Insight touchscreen instrument suite, vastly improving situational awareness for flight crews.
“Because the DHC-515 can operate in extreme conditions, fly at low altitudes (as low as 100 feet) over infernos, and rapidly reload without returning to an airport, it is considered one of the most vital tools for modern wildfire suppression.”
, Industry Research Report on DHC-515 Capabilities
Historical Context
The DHC-515 is the direct descendant of the iconic Canadair CL-215, which was introduced in the late 1960s, and the CL-415, introduced in 1994. Production of the CL-415 ceased in 2015 under its former owner, Bombardier. In 2016, Viking Air, which later merged with sister company De Havilland Canada under the parent company Longview Aviation Capital, acquired the type certificates for both legacy aircraft. Following a period of evaluation and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the updated DHC-515 program was officially launched in March 2022 and has since ramped up to its current active manufacturing state.
AirPro News analysis
The resumption of purpose-built waterbomber production carries profound implications for both global climate crisis management and the Canadian aerospace sector. The nearly 10-year gap in production left international firefighting fleets aging precisely as climate change accelerated the frequency and intensity of global wildfires. The devastating 2023 wildfire season starkly highlighted the critical shortage of specialized aerial firefighting equipment worldwide.
Economically, the DHC-515 program represents a significant revitalization of Canadian aerospace manufacturing. The assembly operations in Calgary, Alberta, alongside supply chain contributions from Ontario and other regions, are injecting millions of dollars into the national economy and creating hundreds of high-value aerospace jobs. As governments worldwide recognize the necessity of dedicated, rapid-response amphibious aircraft, De Havilland Canada is positioned to dominate a niche but globally essential market for the foreseeable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515)?
The DHC-515 is the latest generation of purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft, designed to scoop water from bodies of water and drop it on wildfires. It is the modernized successor to the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415.
When will the first DHC-515 be delivered?
According to current production timelines, the first completed DHC-515 is expected to be certified and delivered to Greece in 2028.
How much water can the DHC-515 hold?
The aircraft has a capacity of 6,137 liters (1,621 US gallons) and can refill its tanks in just 12 seconds while skimming the surface of a lake or sea.
Who is buying the DHC-515?
De Havilland has secured orders from a European Union consortium (including Greece, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France) for 22 aircraft, as well as domestic orders from Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Sources:
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Press Release
Industry Research Report: De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) Production Update (March 11, 2026)
Photo Credit: De Havilland
MRO & Manufacturing
Baxter Aerospace Invests $19.55M in Utah Manufacturing Facility
Baxter Aerospace expands into Washington County, Utah with a $19.55M facility to scale UAS and satellite comms production.
Baxter Aerospace will invest $19.55 million to lease and equip a new manufacturing facility in Washington County, Utah, transitioning its unmanned aircraft and communications systems from prototype development into full-scale production.
The expansion, announced in an October 8, 2026, press release by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is projected to create 90 high-paying jobs over the next five years while strengthening the state’s aerospace and defense industrial base.
Transitioning to full-scale production
The new facility in Washington City will feature high-capacity infrastructure, specialized testing spaces, and security systems. This site is designed to support mission-critical work across aerospace, defense, satellite communications, autonomous aircraft, and public safety.
Baxter Aerospace CEO Jeff Baxter stated that expanding in southern Utah allows the company to increase manufacturing capacity and support growing customer needs. He noted the company is prepared to help shape the region’s aerospace future.
The project is backed by a Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) post-performance tax credit approved by the GOED. Under the agreement, Baxter Aerospace can earn a rebate of up to 30% on new state revenues generated over the five-year term, capped at $456,939.
State officials project the expansion will generate $20,758,160 in new state wages and $1,523,131 in new state tax revenue during that period. GOED Commissioner Jefferson Moss noted that the investment signals Utah’s economic future is fueled by frontier innovation. Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow added that the expansion connects local talent with emerging aerospace opportunities.
Scaling the BA-1 Dragonfly and defense portfolio
The manufacturing expansion follows a period of steady growth for the St. George-based defense and aerospace innovator. Brothers Jeff and Michael Baxter founded the company in 2015 following a severe Oregon wildfire, focusing their initial efforts on real-time sensing, resilient communications, and autonomous systems for emergency response and defense applications.
The company’s flagship aerospace product is the BA-1 Dragonfly. The Dragonfly is a Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) unmanned aircraft system designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, featuring over 12 hours of endurance.
Alongside the BA-1 Dragonfly, Baxter Aerospace produces deployable broadband satellite communications kits that utilize low Earth orbit (LEO) networks. The company also manufactures precision components for the fusion and nuclear energy sectors.
To support the scaling of these product lines, Baxter Aerospace secured a $6 million Series A funding round in July 2025. The capital was raised from the Department of Defense (DoD) Accelerator fund, managed by Accuidity Capital Management, specifically to accelerate production of the Dragonfly system and the deployable communications kits. The new Washington County facility represents the physical infrastructure required to execute that production scale-up between late 2026 and 2031.
Photo Credit: Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
MRO & Manufacturing
IAI 777-300ERSF P2F Conversions Launch in North America
The first Boeing 777-300ER for P2F conversion in North America arrives at Ascent Aviation Services in Marana, Arizona.
The first Boeing 777-300ER slated for passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion in North America arrived at Ascent Aviation Services in Marana, Arizona, on October 22, 2026. The induction marks the regional launch of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) modification program for the widebody twinjet.
The arrival of the World Star Aviation aircraft initiates operations at a newly expanded site designed to increase global capacity for the Boeing 777-300ERSF program, according to a joint press release issued by the companies.
Expanding global conversion capacity
Ascent Aviation Services, an independent aircraft aftermarket service provider and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Class IV Part 145 certified repair station, will operate two parallel conversion lines at its Pinal Air Park campus. To accommodate the Boeing 777-300ERSF program, the company invested $70 million to construct two 90,000-square-foot widebody hangars. Ascent broke ground on the facilities on March 29, 2024, effectively tripling the site’s hangar capacity.
“The launch of Boeing 777-300ERSF conversions in North America marks an important milestone for IAI’s global conversion program,” Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI Aviation Group, stated in the release. “Together with Ascent Aviation Services, we are expanding production capacity and bringing our conversion capabilities closer to customers in the region.”
Ascent Aviation Services chief executive officer David Querio noted that the induction represents the beginning of a long-term partnership with IAI, with multiple Boeing 777-300ERSF conversions planned for the Marana site.
“Our vision is to shape the future of aviation by turning engineering innovation into lasting value for our customers,” IAI president and chief executive officer Guy Bar Lev added. “Passenger-to-freighter conversions are a key part of that vision, extending the productive life of aircraft and helping airlines adapt to changing market needs.”
World Star Aviation’s fleet strategy
The inaugural aircraft belongs to World Star Aviation, a full-service aircraft and engine lessor headquartered in London. The company specializes in mid-to-late life assets and manages a portfolio of approximately 150 aircraft and engines. This includes 60 narrowbody and widebody freighters currently on lease to cargo operators globally.
World Star Aviation partner Yoyo Allalouf cited the strength of the IAI program during a critical period for widebody passenger-to-freighter production as the primary driver for their selection.
“IAI’s dominance in the widebody P2F space, demonstrated by its Boeing 747 and 767 programs, together with our long-standing relationship, underpinned our decision to choose IAI for the 777-300ERSF,” added Garreth Slevin, partner at World Star Aviation.
The rise of the “Big Twin” freighter
The Boeing 777-300ERSF program, marketed as “The Big Twin,” launched on October 22, 2019, as a joint venture between IAI and GECAS, which was subsequently acquired by AerCap. It remains the only certified P2F conversion program for the Boeing 777-300ER.
The converted freighter offers 25 percent more cargo volume than a production Boeing 777-200LRF and 15 percent more volume than a Boeing 747-400BCF. This capacity positions the aircraft as a direct replacement for aging Boeing 747-400 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter fleets.
IAI brings over 50 years of experience to the program, having delivered more than 350 converted cargo aircraft across Boeing 747, 767, 737, and Airbus A330 platforms. The company currently holds a dominant market share in medium-size freighter conversions, particularly with the Boeing 767.
The 777-300ERSF recently transitioned from certification into commercial service. In August 2026, Challenge Group took delivery of its second 777-300ERSF, which marked the fifth redelivery of the type across the industry for the year.
AirPro News analysis
We view the activation of the Marana conversion lines as a critical step in maturing the Boeing 777-300ERSF program. By establishing a North American footprint, IAI mitigates geographic bottlenecks and provides operators with a domestic option for heavy modifications. The $70 million infrastructure investment by Ascent Aviation Services indicates strong long-term confidence in the widebody conversion market, even as the air cargo sector normalizes following pandemic-era peaks. As legacy quad-engine and tri-engine freighters approach mandatory retirement or become economically unviable, the availability of parallel conversion lines in the United States ensures IAI can capture a significant share of the impending widebody replacement cycle.
Photo Credit: IAI
MRO & Manufacturing
Cirrus Aircraft Breaks Ground on $8M Engine Run-Up Center
Cirrus Aircraft begins construction on a 15,000-sq-ft Engine Run-Up Center in Duluth, MN, set to open summer 2027.
Cirrus Aircraft has commenced construction on an $8 million, 15,000-square-foot Engine Run-Up Center in Duluth, Minnesota, moving critical engine testing and fuel calibration processes into a year-round, climate-controlled environment.
The new facility, detailed in a company press release on October 23, 2026, is designed to support the certification process for the SR Series, Vision Jet, and TRAC10 aircraft while reducing noise at the surrounding airport.
Centralizing certification operations
The Engine Run-Up Center will consolidate several final-phase manufacturing steps into a single enclosed building. The facility will house two calibration stalls dedicated to engine setup and testing, utilizing an 8-foot exhaust collector to ventilate the spaces. A separate climate-controlled control room will allow technicians to conduct data analysis during the testing phase.
In addition to the testing stalls, the building will include two stalls specifically engineered for fueling and defueling aircraft. These areas incorporate specialized fire protection systems and are designed to meet requirements for handling flammable fluids.
Cirrus Chief Executive Officer Zean Nielsen stated that engine run-ups and fuel system calibration are essential processes across aircraft manufacturing. He noted that the modern facility will allow the company to streamline these critical operations, improve efficiency, and provide team members with a dedicated environment to perform the work.
Expanding the Duluth manufacturing footprint
The new testing center adds to an existing corporate footprint that exceeds 1.3 million square feet. The majority of this infrastructure is located in Duluth, which serves as the primary production hub for the manufacturer.
Founded in 1984 and now publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Cirrus has manufactured more than 12,000 SR Series piston aircraft and Vision Jets to date. The groundbreaking follows closely on a major program milestone for the company. On October 21, 2026, Cirrus celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Vision Jet, the first single-engine personal jet to reach the market.
Patrick Waddick, President of Innovation & Operations at Cirrus, highlighted the scale of the company’s historical output in Duluth. He noted that the new facility expands a footprint where the company has produced its entire fleet of over 12,000 aircraft, adding that the manufacturer has spent decades challenging conventions through innovations that transform personal aviation.
Project timeline and operational impact
Construction on the Engine Run-Up Center is underway, with the facility expected to open and become fully operational by the summer of 2027. By moving engine testing indoors, the company anticipates a reduction in noise levels for the surrounding airport environment, a common challenge for manufacturers conducting high-power engine runs on open ramps.
The $8 million investment reflects broader efforts by the airframer to scale production capabilities in response to market requirements. Nielsen indicated that as the company continues to grow, investments in manufacturing infrastructure position Cirrus to meet customer demand while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Photo Credit: Cirrus Aircraft
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