Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
De Havilland Delivers First Refurbished Dash 8-400 to ANA Group
De Havilland Canada delivers first of seven refurbished Dash 8-400 aircraft to ANA Group, supporting Japan’s regional connectivity amid supply chain challenges.
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
Photo Credit: De Havilland
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ANA Holdings Orders 8 More Embraer E190-E2 Jets, Total Hits 23
ANA Holdings expands its E190-E2 order to 23 aircraft, with IBEX Airlines set to operate the jets under an ACMI deal from FY2029.
ANA Holdings Inc. (ANA HD) has finalized an agreement with Embraer to acquire eight additional Embraer E190-E2 regional jets, bringing the Japanese aviation group’s total firm orders for the type to 23 aircraft. The transaction, announced on September 3, 2026, underpins a newly established capacity purchase agreement that will see the modern narrowbodies replace aging regional aircraft on domestic Japanese routes.
In a press release issued by Embraer, the manufacturer confirmed the order accelerates ANA HD’s regional fleet modernization strategy. The aircraft will be deployed under a comprehensive Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) partnership with Japanese regional carrier IBEX Airlines, an arrangement formally approved by the ANA HD board of directors on July 29, 2026.
Fleet modernization and the IBEX Airlines partnership
Under the terms of the ACMI agreement, All Nippon Airways (ANA) will serve as the marketing carrier, overseeing route planning and ticket sales for the regional network. IBEX Airlines will operate the flights using the newly ordered Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. The introduction of the E2 fleet will allow IBEX Airlines to retire its legacy fleet of Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft.
Deliveries of the new Embraer jets to ANA HD are scheduled to begin in 2028. The companies are targeting fiscal year 2029 for the official launch of the ACMI operations between ANA and IBEX Airlines.
ANA Holdings President and CEO Koji Shibata stated that the additional E190-E2 order accelerates the company’s efforts to build a sustainable regional aviation network in Japan. He noted the agreement underscores ANA HD’s confidence in Embraer’s technology to reduce both environmental impact and operating costs while elevating regional connectivity.
Embraer’s growing footprint in the Japanese market
The September 3 agreement builds upon ANA HD’s initial commitment to the E2 program. The company placed its first firm order for 15 E190-E2 aircraft, along with five options, on February 25, 2025. ANA HD originally selected the Embraer E190-E2 to fulfill its regional fleet requirements following the 2023 cancellation of the Mitsubishi SpaceJet program, for which ANA was the intended launch customer.
Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO Arjan Meijer said the manufacturer is honored by the continued confidence from ANA HD and looks forward to supporting the airline group’s growth plans.
“With its exceptional economics and fuel efficiency, the E2 will support expanded connectivity across Japan along with better comfort and space for passengers,” Meijer said.
AirPro News analysis
We view ANA HD’s decision to exercise further E190-E2 orders as a pragmatic stabilization of its regional strategy following the collapse of the domestic SpaceJet initiative. By structuring the deployment through an ACMI agreement with IBEX Airlines, ANA HD effectively outsources the operational transition while retaining network control and marketing revenue. The transition from the Bombardier CRJ700 to the E190-E2 will provide a substantial step up in capacity and fuel efficiency, aligning with broader industry trends toward upgauging regional networks with next-generation crossover narrowbodies. The timeline also provides IBEX Airlines with a clear runway to phase out its older airframes before maintenance costs on the out-of-production CRJ fleet escalate further.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Sun PhuQuoc Airways Takes Delivery of First A321neo LR
Sun PhuQuoc Airways receives Vietnam’s first A321neo LR, enabling direct long-range routes to Japan and Kazakhstan from Phu Quoc.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo LR, marking the first time a Vietnamese carrier has owned and operated the long-range narrowbody variant.
The aircraft, registered as VN-A925, arrived in Hanoi (HAN) on September 3, 2026. In an official statement, the leisure-focused airline highlighted the aircraft’s extended range as a primary driver for its upcoming international network expansion.
Fleet expansion and route capabilities
The Airbus A321neo LR features a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles, or approximately 7,400 kilometers. This capability allows the carrier to reach deeper into Asia and potentially Eastern Europe directly from its base in Vietnam.
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the aircraft was ferried from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Denpasar (DPS) in late August before making its final delivery flight to Hanoi. Sun PhuQuoc Airways emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition in its announcement.
“With a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles, the A321neo LR is built to take Sun PhuQuoc Airways farther, opening the door to more destinations and more journeys beyond Vietnam,” the company stated.
Strategic shift for Vietnamese leisure travel
Backed by the Sun Group conglomerate, Sun PhuQuoc Airways operates a leisure-focused model designed to boost tourism to Phu Quoc (PQC). The airline has been rapidly expanding its fleet to support an international growth strategy.
The addition of the A321neo LR enables the airline to connect Phu Quoc to distant markets such as Japan and Kazakhstan. Operating these routes with a narrowbody aircraft reduces the financial risk compared to deploying larger, harder-to-fill widebody jets on unproven leisure routes.
AirPro News analysis
We view the acquisition of the Airbus A321neo LR as a calculated step for Sun PhuQuoc Airways to capture long-haul leisure traffic without the overhead of a widebody fleet. By utilizing the A321LR, the airline can test thinner, long-distance routes directly to Phu Quoc. This mirrors a broader global industry trend where operators leverage long-range narrowbody aircraft to bypass traditional major hubs and connect secondary leisure destinations directly to international source markets.
Sources: Sun PhuQuoc Airways
Photo Credit: Sun PhuQuoc Airways
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
MACH Aircraft Leasing Platform Doubles to USD 3 Billion
La Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital expand MACH to USD 3B after early deployment of initial capital, extending through December 2029.
La Caisse and SMBC Aviation Capital have doubled the size of their joint aircraft financing platform, Maple Aircraft Company Holdings Limited (MACH), to USD 3 billion, following the rapid deployment of their initial capital commitment ahead of schedule.
Announced on September 3, 2026, in Montréal and Dublin, the expansion extends the platform’s investment period through December 2029. According to a joint press release, the move underscores strong institutional appetite for aviation assets and ongoing airline demand for modern, fuel-efficient Commercial-Aircraft.
Rapid deployment and portfolio growth
Originally launched in January 2024 with a USD 1.5 billion commitment, the MACH platform was designed to provide flexible financing solutions to global Airlines. The partners deployed that initial capital faster than anticipated, prompting the decision to inject an additional USD 1.5 billion to capture emerging market opportunities.
The platform currently holds a portfolio of 21 aircraft leased to 13 airline customers across 10 global markets. The Investments strategy remains focused on acquiring new-technology aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency, aligning with broader industry fleet renewal efforts and Sustainability targets.
Strategic partnership and market dynamics
SMBC Aviation Capital Chief Commercial Officer Barry Flannery stated that the successful deployment of MACH highlights the strength of the Partnerships and the continuing demand for flexible aircraft financing.
“Expanding the platform with our trusted partner, La Caisse, positions us to build on this momentum and continue to support our airline customers worldwide with access to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft of the types that are most in demand,” Flannery said.
Martin Longchamps, Executive Vice-President and Head of Private Equity and Private Credit at La Caisse, noted that the platform’s execution since 2024 validates the combination of specialized aviation expertise and patient long-term capital. He added that favorable market dynamics position MACH to capitalize on attractive opportunities across the leasing sector.
AirPro News analysis
We view the rapid expansion of the MACH platform as a clear indicator of the current supply-demand imbalance in the commercial aircraft market. With original equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) struggling to meet delivery targets, airlines are increasingly reliant on lessors to secure capacity. Recent industry data indicates that aviation asset sales activity has increased throughout 2026, generating strong proceeds at premiums to adjusted base values.
SMBC Aviation Capital has capitalized on this environment aggressively in 2026. The lessor recently closed a USD 2 billion senior unsecured bond offering in July and placed highly sought-after narrowbody aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 8s with Vietnam Airlines and Airbus A321XLRs with Air Seychelles. The willingness of institutional investors like La Caisse to double down on aviation assets suggests confidence that lease rates and aircraft valuations will remain elevated through the end of the decade.
Sources: SMBC Aviation Capital
Photo Credit: SMBC Aviation Capital
-
UAV & Drones6 days agoFAA Completes First Remotely Piloted eVTOL Cargo Flight
-
Airlines Strategy4 days agoSouthwest Airlines to Launch First Airport Lounges in 2027
-
Technology & Innovation3 days agoArcher Aviation Launches No Roads eVTOL Tour Ahead of LA28
-
Space & Satellites3 days agoNASA Awards Blue Origin $700M Mars Telecommunications Contract
-
UAV & Drones3 days agoNAVAIR Issues RFI for Carrier-Based Autonomous Combat Drone