De Havilland Delivers Refurbished Dash 8-400 to Flytec in Argentina

This article is based on an official press release from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.

On March 11, 2026, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) announced the delivery of a refurbished Dash 8-400 Commercial-Aircraft to Flytec, a regional Airlines based in Argentina. According to the official press release, this milestone marks the first time a Dash 8-400 will operate under an Argentine registration, signaling a significant step forward for regional aviation capabilities within the country.

The 70-to-80-seat turboprop will be deployed primarily to support personnel logistics for the rapidly expanding mining sector in Argentina’s high-altitude regions. As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, robust logistical solutions have become essential for extracting resources from remote and challenging terrains.

For Flytec, the acquisition represents a major scale-up in capacity. The airline plans to utilize the aircraft’s specialized performance capabilities to centralize operations from its hub and offer large-scale transport solutions to international mining consortiums operating in the Andes.

Expanding Aviation Logistics for Argentina’s Mining Boom

The Lithium Triangle and Operational Challenges

The deployment of the Dash 8-400 is directly tied to the rapid expansion of Argentina’s mining sector, which is heavily driven by the global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Industry research indicates that Flytec’s base at the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airports in Salta places the operator at the heart of the “Lithium Triangle”, a region spanning the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, and Catamarca that holds some of the world’s largest lithium brine deposits.

Logistical challenges in this region are immense. Background industry reports note that mining projects in the area are often located at altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters (11,400 feet) above sea level. Ground transportation to these remote salt flats can take over ten hours via treacherous mountain roads, making air transport a critical necessity for moving personnel efficiently and safely. Furthermore, economic data from the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) projected that the country’s total mining exports would exceed $5 billion in 2025, following a record 66% surge in lithium production that same year. This growth is further accelerated by the Argentine government’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), which aims to attract foreign capital for large-scale projects.

Flytec’s Strategic Fleet Upgrade

Prior to acquiring the Dash 8-400, Flytec built its reputation operating smaller aircraft. According to background company profiles, the airline’s historical fleet included Beechcraft Super King Airs, Beech 1900s, and Helicopters, with a focus on executive charters, aeromedical evacuations, and flights to areas with limited infrastructure. In December 2020, the company also launched “Flytour,” a tourism initiative connecting remote scenic destinations in the Salta province.

The transition to a high-capacity turboprop reflects the airline’s strategic pivot toward heavy industry support. In the official press release, Flytec leadership emphasized the aircraft’s specific suitability for their new mission profile.

“The Dash 8-400 stood out for its high-altitude performance, making it ideal for the demanding conditions of our mining operations,” said Mateo Zambruno, Chief Executive Officer at Flytec. “Coupled with its industry-leading low carbon emissions per seat and the confidence provided by DHC’s OEM certified refurbishment program, it was the clear choice for Flytec.”

The Dash 8-400 and DHC’s Refurbishment Program

Aircraft Capabilities for High-Altitude Missions

The Dash 8-400 is uniquely suited for the demanding environment of the Andes mountains. According to Manufacturers specifications, the aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines, each delivering up to 5,071 shaft horsepower. This power output provides the necessary safety margins for taking off from short, unpaved runways in low-density, high-altitude air. Additionally, the aircraft features a cruising speed of 360 knots (667 km/h) and an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system designed to enhance passenger comfort during transit.

De Havilland Canada highlighted the aircraft’s operational flexibility as a key factor in the partnership.

“We are excited to welcome Flytec as the newest operator of the Dash 8-400,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada. “This aircraft is ideal for Flytec’s mission of supporting operations in Argentina, offering high altitude airfield performance capability. We look forward to supporting their growth with the unmatched performance and operational flexibility of the Dash 8-400.”

OEM Certified Refurbishment Initiative

The aircraft delivered to Flytec was processed through DHC’s OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. Industry records show this program was officially launched at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024. Under this initiative, DHC acquires used Dash 8 aircraft, upgrades them to meet specific customer requirements, and remarkets them to extend the fleet’s operational life. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work is conducted at DHC’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and can include avionics modernization, airframe life extensions, and the installation of modern interior configurations.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that Flytec’s acquisition of the Dash 8-400 perfectly illustrates the growing nexus between regional aviation and the global energy transition. Without specialized, high-performance aircraft, the logistics of extracting critical minerals like lithium and copper in harsh, high-altitude environments would face severe bottlenecks. Furthermore, DHC’s refurbishment program presents a compelling sustainability angle for the aviation industry. By upgrading existing airframes with modern interiors and efficient engines, manufacturers can extend the lifecycle of their aircraft, promoting a circular economy while providing cost-effective, lower-emission solutions to growing regional airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Dash 8-400 being used for in Argentina?

The newly delivered Dash 8-400 will be operated by Flytec to support mining operations in Argentina. It will primarily transport personnel to and from remote, high-altitude mining sites in the “Lithium Triangle,” significantly reducing travel times compared to ground transportation.

Why is the Dash 8-400 suited for this mission?

The aircraft is known for its speed, fuel efficiency, and exceptional performance in high-altitude and short-field environments. Its powerful PW150A engines allow it to operate safely from the challenging airfields typical of the Andes mountains.

What is the DHC OEM Certified Refurbishment Program?

Launched in July 2024, the program involves De Havilland Canada acquiring used Dash 8 aircraft, performing extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work at their Calgary facilities, and upgrading the aircraft to meet modern operational and passenger comfort standards before delivering them to new operators.

Sources: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Press Release