De Havilland Delivers First Refurbished Dash 8-400 to ANA Group

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

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) has officially handed over the first of seven refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft to Japan’s ANA Group. This milestone, announced via a company press release, marks the operational beginning of a fleet renewal agreement initially signed as a Letter of Intent (LOI) in July 2024 at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The aircraft will be operated by ANA Wings, the regional subsidiary of ANA Group, to maintain critical domestic connectivity across Japan. By opting for OEM-certified refurbished airframes, ANA is pioneering a cost-effective and sustainable approach to fleet management amid ongoing global supply chain constraints.

According to De Havilland Canada’s official statement, ANA’s decision to integrate these aircraft is a strong endorsement of the Dash 8-400 program’s enduring quality, reliability, and performance. The manufacturer expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that this delivery represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Dash 8-400 program in Japan.

The OEM Certified Refurbishment Program

This delivery represents the first tangible result of DHC’s OEM Certified Refurbishment Program, which was officially launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow. ANA Group serves as the flagship launch customer for this initiative, which operates under the banner of “keep the fleet flying,” according to industry research data.

Under this program, DHC actively acquires mid-life Dash 8-400 airframes from the global market. Industry reports indicate that the manufacturer had secured at least 28 such airframes by mid-2024. The extensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) work, along with engineering and parts fitting, is conducted at DHC’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Aircraft Specifications and Warranties

Each refurbished aircraft is meticulously reconfigured to match the exact specifications of ANA Group’s existing fleet. According to industry data, this includes a 74-seat economy class layout. Furthermore, DHC delivers these aircraft with a valid manufacturer warranty, ensuring they meet ANA’s stringent safety management and maintenance standards.

ANA Group’s Regional Strategy

ANA Wings currently operates a fleet of 24 Dash 8-400s, deploying them on high-frequency domestic and regional routes throughout Japan. Prior to this renewal initiative, industry data showed ANA’s Dash 8-400 fleet had an average age of approximately 15.5 years, with airframes delivered between 2003 and 2017.

The turboprop remains highly valued in the Japanese market. Its jet-like speed, fuel efficiency, and exceptional short-field takeoff and landing capabilities make it uniquely suited for navigating Japan’s mountainous terrain and shorter regional runways.

“Our decision to expand the DHC-8-Q400 fleet reflects our ongoing commitment to reliable and economical aircraft that will enhance our existing fleet,” stated Hidekazu Yoshida, Executive Vice-President of Procurement at ANA, during the initial order announcement.

“We are pleased to continue to support ANA Group in providing outstanding customer service to their passengers and customers. We look forward to continuing to work with ANA Group for years to come as they take delivery of these aircraft,” noted Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for DHC.

Broader Industry Implications

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

The aviation industry is currently grappling with global supply chain bottlenecks and significant delays in new aircraft manufacturing. In this environment, OEM-certified refurbishments offer airlines a highly reliable, faster, and environmentally conscious method to extend the operational life of proven airframes.

DHC acquired the Dash 8 program from Bombardier in 2019 but paused the manufacturing of new Dash 8-400s in 2022 due to pandemic-related demand slumps. With nearly 400 Dash 8-400s still flying globally, this refurbishment program allows DHC to support existing operators and capture the growing market for mid-life aircraft replacements.

AirPro News analysis

We view De Havilland Canada’s pivot to an OEM-certified refurbishment model as a highly strategic adaptation to current market realities. By leveraging existing mid-life airframes, DHC not only bypasses the severe supply chain constraints plaguing new-build aircraft but also provides a sustainable, lower-capex solution for regional operators like ANA.

Furthermore, industry reports suggest DHC is evaluating the market for a potential production reboot of an updated Dash 8 variant by the end of the decade. If successful, this refurbishment program could serve as a vital bridge, maintaining the Dash 8-400’s market relevance, preserving the supply chain, and retaining the operator base until a new production line becomes viable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How many refurbished Dash 8-400s is ANA purchasing?
  ANA Group has purchased seven refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft from De Havilland Canada, with the first delivery now complete.
• Where is the refurbishment work completed?
  The MRO and engineering work takes place at DHC’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and Victoria, British Columbia.
• Why did DHC stop making new Dash 8-400s?
  DHC paused new manufacturing in 2022 due to demand slumps related to the global pandemic, pivoting instead to supporting the existing global fleet of nearly 400 aircraft through its refurbishment program.

Sources: De Havilland Canada | Industry Research Report