MRO & Manufacturing
De Havilland Canadair 515 Production Advances for European Delivery
De Havilland Canada progresses production of 22 Canadair 515 firefighting aircraft for six European countries under rescEU, enhancing aerial firefighting capacity.
This article is based on an official press release from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
De Havilland Canadair 515 Production on Track for European Deliveries
As global wildfire risks continue to escalate due to climate change, the demand for specialized aerial firefighting capabilities has reached unprecedented levels. In response to this growing crisis, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) announced on May 25, 2026, that De Havilland Canada (DHC) is officially on schedule to deliver the first batch of its next-generation amphibious firefighting Commercial-Aircraft to European partners.
According to the official press release, the newly branded De Havilland Canadair 515 is currently advancing through its production phases in Calgary, Alberta. The Manufacturing milestone stems from historic government-to-government (G2G) Contracts signed in 2024, which secured an Orders for 22 aircraft across six European nations. This agreement represents the largest purchase order in De Havilland Canada’s history.
We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step in reinforcing international disaster response fleets. By utilizing a G2G contracting approach, the CCC acted as the Prime Contractor, providing the necessary scale and financial certainty for DHC to launch its new production line and meet the urgent climate-crisis requirements of the European Union.
Strengthening Europe’s Aerial Firefighting Fleet
The rescEU Initiative and National Fleets
The 22-aircraft order is a highly coordinated international effort heavily supported by the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, known as rescEU. This program aims to strengthen Europe’s collective disaster response capacity by pooling resources across member states. According to the CCC announcement, the six EU member states receiving the aircraft are Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.
The distribution of the fleet is strategically divided to maximize regional coverage. Of the 22 aircraft ordered, 12 will form the core of the EU’s shared firefighting fleet, hosted by the six participating member states. The remaining 10 aircraft were purchased directly by the member states to supplement and modernize their individual national fleets.
Maintenance and Operational Readiness
To ensure the long-term operational readiness of these critical assets, De Havilland Canada has also expanded its European support network. In April 2026, DHC signed a strategic agreement with Portugal-headquartered Avincis, one of the world’s largest providers of emergency aerial services. Avincis will serve as a key Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) supplier and engineering partner for both the new Canadair 515 and legacy fleets operating across Europe and Morocco.
“CCC is pleased to announce that De Havilland Canada (DHC) is on track to deliver the world’s most advanced, purpose-built waterbomber to European partners… As Prime Contractor, CCC is proud to work alongside DHC to ensure timely, reliable Delivery of these next-generation aircraft.”
The De Havilland Canadair 515: Technical Capabilities
Unmatched Water Capacity and Rapid Refill
The Canadair 515 builds upon the proven, 50-year lineage of the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 waterbombers, incorporating modern avionics, enhanced safety features, and updated production standards. The aircraft is purpose-built for the grueling demands of aerial firefighting.
According to technical specifications provided in the announcement, the Canadair 515 is capable of delivering nearly 700,000 liters of water into a fire zone per day, a volume that more than doubles the capacity of its closest competitor. Furthermore, the aircraft can scoop and refill its tanks in just 12 seconds from nearby fresh or saltwater sources, such as rivers, small lakes, or oceans. This rapid-refill capability allows for continuous, high-frequency drops without the need to return to an airport.
The aircraft is also uniquely suited for challenging geographic conditions. It remains the only aircraft in its category certified to operate in waves up to two meters (6.6 feet), making it highly versatile for coastal operations and turbulent water sources.
Honoring a Legacy
The aircraft underwent a meaningful rebranding in October 2024. Originally launched as the “DHC-515 Firefighter” in March 2022, DHC announced during a milestone event in Brussels that the aircraft would be officially renamed the “De Havilland Canadair 515.”
“When people are close to a wildfire in Europe, they ask when the Canadairs will come to help protect their community. Today, we are recognizing the history of service of the Canadair fleet by renaming the aircraft the ‘De Havilland Canadair 515.'”
Economic Impact and Canadian Aerospace Leadership
Job Creation in Alberta and Beyond
Beyond its environmental and safety impacts, the Canadair 515 program is delivering a substantial economic boost to Canada’s aerospace sector. The establishment of the new production line in Calgary, Alberta, is generating thousands of jobs and reinforcing Canada’s leadership in specialized aerospace manufacturing.
The 22-aircraft order is expected to create approximately 650 direct, sustainable jobs at De Havilland Canada. Additionally, the program will support an estimated 2,600 jobs within the broader Canadian aerospace supply chain. This “Team Canada” effort was made possible through the collaboration of Export Development Canada (EDC) and the CCC, aligning international market needs with domestic industrial capacity.
“The acquisition of Canadian firefighting aircraft by EU countries is a vital step in tackling wildfires in the EU and reflects our commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change together as trustworthy partners… The acquisition is expected to create almost 650 new and sustainable jobs at De Havilland Canada, as well as 2,600 additional jobs in the supply chain.”
AirPro News analysis
The successful advancement of the De Havilland Canadair 515 production line underscores the effectiveness of the government-to-government (G2G) procurement model in the aerospace sector. By utilizing the Canadian Commercial Corporation as the prime contractor, De Havilland Canada was insulated from many of the traditional financial risks associated with launching a clean-sheet or heavily modernized aircraft production line. The guaranteed 22-aircraft order provided the critical mass necessary to justify the capital expenditure in the Calgary facility.
Furthermore, the strategic rebranding to include the “Canadair” name highlights the importance of brand equity in specialized aviation markets. In Europe, “Canadair” is a proprietary eponym for waterbombers. By embracing this legacy, DHC has solidified its relationship with European operators and the public, positioning the Canadair 515 not just as a new product, but as the continuation of a trusted, life-saving lineage in the face of worsening global wildfire seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the De Havilland Canadair 515?
It is a next-generation amphibious firefighting aircraft, previously known as the DHC-515 Firefighter, built by De Havilland Canada. It is the modernized successor to the legendary Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 waterbombers. - Which countries are receiving the new aircraft?
A total of 22 aircraft are being delivered to six European nations: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. Twelve of these will form a shared EU fleet under the rescEU program. - How fast can the Canadair 515 refill its water tanks?
The aircraft can scoop and refill its tanks with water in just 12 seconds from nearby fresh or saltwater sources, allowing it to drop up to 700,000 liters of water per day. - Where is the aircraft being built?
The De Havilland Canadair 515 is being manufactured at a new production facility in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sources:
Photo Credit: De Havilland Canada
MRO & Manufacturing
Air India Awards Lufthansa Technik A350 APU MRO Contract
Air India selects Lufthansa Technik for multi-year MRO of 40 Honeywell HGT1700 APUs on its Airbus A350 fleet.
Air India (AI) has selected Lufthansa Technik for the exclusive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the auxiliary power units (APUs) on its new fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft. The multi-year agreement, announced on June 9, 2026, covers 40 Honeywell HGT1700 APUs and deepens an existing technical partnership between the two companies.
The contract secures dedicated engineering support for the Indian flag carrier as it expands its long-haul operations. According to a press release issued by Lufthansa Technik, all maintenance services will be performed at the company’s specialized APU workshops located in Hamburg, Germany.
Expanding the technical partnership
Air India is the first operator of the Airbus A350 in India. The airline is utilizing the widebody aircraft to support a broader fleet transformation and international route expansion. The Honeywell HGT1700 APU is designed exclusively for the Airbus A350, and Lufthansa Technik serves as an official authorized warranty and maintenance provider for this specific model.
The new APU contract builds upon an established relationship between the operator and the maintenance provider. Lufthansa Technik currently operates an ongoing component support program for Air India’s Boeing 777 fleet.
“As India’s first Airbus A350 operator, we require a maintenance partner with extensive technical expertise and a strong track record in supporting next-generation aircraft systems,” said Jeremy Yew Jin Kit, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance at Air India. “Lufthansa Technik’s capabilities in maintaining HGT1700 APUs provide us with the confidence and reliability needed to support our expanding A350 operations.”
Authorized maintenance capabilities
Under the terms of the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will provide spare APU support and engineering services alongside the core MRO work. The Hamburg facility is equipped to handle the specific technical requirements of the HGT1700 system, ensuring the airline has access to certified repairs and replacement parts.
“Having delivered exceptional component support on Air India’s Boeing 777 fleet, we are delighted to further expand our collaboration to include the Airbus A350 fleet,” said Johanna Koch, Vice President Corporate Sales Asia Pacific at Lufthansa Technik. “As Air India continues its transformation journey, we are proud to be a trusted partner at their side.”
AirPro News analysis
Securing reliable MRO support for the Airbus A350 is a critical step for Air India as it scales its widebody operations. By consolidating its APU maintenance with an authorized Honeywell service provider, the airline mitigates supply chain risks and ensures operational reliability for its flagship aircraft. We view this contract as a logical extension of Air India’s strategy to partner with established global tier-one suppliers during its rapid fleet modernization phase, rather than attempting to build specialized in-house capabilities for new systems immediately.
Sources: Lufthansa Technik
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Expands Singapore MRO Facility at Seletar Park
Bombardier nearly doubles its Asia-Pacific MRO footprint with a new 250,000-sq-ft Singapore facility backed by $78M USD.
Bombardier will nearly double its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint in the Asia-Pacific region by adding a 250,000-square-foot facility at Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park. The expansion aims to support a growing regional fleet and a record corporate order backlog.
In a press release issued on June 9, 2026, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer detailed plans for the new site. The project is supported by a $100 million SGD (approximately $78 million USD) investment from a local developer. The expansion is expected to create 200 highly skilled aerospace jobs and enhance the company’s regional capabilities in aircraft recompletion, component repair, and round-the-clock support.
Expanding Asia-Pacific maintenance capabilities
Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. Operations are anticipated to commence in the second half of 2028.
The current Singapore Service Centre opened in 2014. It employs 300 local staff, including approximately 250 licensed engineers and technicians. This existing workforce supports roughly 2,000 aircraft annually.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the facility’s role in the region.
“Our Singapore Service Centre has long been a cornerstone of service and support excellence in Asia-Pacific, supporting approximately 2,000 aircraft annually as regional demand continues to grow,” Sislian stated.
Strategic partnerships and digitalization
The expansion involves collaboration with several Singaporean entities, including JTC and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President of the EDB, indicated that the investment will add new MRO and recompletion capabilities for next-generation business aircraft while entrenching Singapore’s status as a premier aerospace hub.
Christine Wong, Assistant CEO of JTC, added that the development reinforces the position of Seletar Aerospace Park as a leading business aviation center.
Bombardier also announced it has joined the A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR ARTC) industry consortium as an Anchor Member. This partnership is designed to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization into the manufacturer’s MRO operations.
Market drivers and fleet growth
The infrastructure investment aligns with broader market growth for the manufacturer. According to reporting by The Edge Singapore, Bombardier reported a record order backlog exceeding $20 billion USD in April 2026.
The publication noted that up to 10 percent of this order book originates from the Asia-Pacific region. This backlog is driven by demand from high-net-worth individuals and shared-ownership operators.
The introduction of the flagship Bombardier Global 8000 has also prompted the company to strengthen its global support network.
Addressing the expansion, Sislian told The Edge Singapore that the company sees continued growth and that the facility increase was the right solution to handle rising aircraft utilization.
AirPro News analysis
We view Bombardier’s decision to double its Singapore footprint as a necessary step to capture high-margin aftermarket revenue in a region where business aviation utilization is climbing. By anchoring its Asia-Pacific MRO operations in Seletar Aerospace Park, the manufacturer leverages Singapore’s established supply chain and skilled labor pool. The integration with A*STAR ARTC also suggests a strategic pivot toward predictive maintenance and automated component repair, which will be critical for servicing the ultra-long-range Global 8000 fleet efficiently.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
MRO & Manufacturing
West Star Aviation Posts 84% AOG Rate After DCJet Acquisition
West Star Aviation achieved a record 84% AOG acceptance rate in May 2026 after acquiring DCJet and expanding its technician network.
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider West Star Aviation achieved a record 84% acceptance rate for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requests in May 2026, following a strategic expansion of its technician workforce.
In a press release issued on June 5, 2026, the company attributed the capacity increase to its March 3, 2026, acquisition of DCJet. The integration expanded West Star Aviation’s dedicated AOG network to over 250 technicians, up from 200, positioning the firm to handle higher volumes of unscheduled maintenance events ahead of the summer travel season.
DCJet acquisition drives network expansion
The March acquisition of DCJet added five new locations to West Star Aviation’s nationwide footprint: Dulles International Airport (IAD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Boeing Field (BFI), and Luis Muñoz MarÃn International Airport (SJU).
The expanded workforce is supported by a 24/7/365 AOG control center staffed by 12 controllers. This centralized coordination allows the MRO provider to dispatch technicians, tooling, and ground support equipment across its network to minimize operator downtime.
Gary Lee, Vice President of AOG at West Star Aviation, stated that the added resources are essential for meeting customer needs during critical periods of high demand.
“With access to tooling and GSE across our network, we’re poised to respond quickly, safely, and effectively wherever our customers need us,” Lee said in the release.
Infrastructure growth and satellite facilities
The AOG capacity improvements coincide with broader infrastructure investments by the company, which employs over 3,000 professionals and has 79 years of industry experience.
On June 2, 2026, West Star Aviation announced the opening of its fifth satellite location at Addison Airport in Texas. The new 40,000-square-foot hangar provides scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, AOG support, and avionics upgrades specifically targeting the Dallas metroplex.
Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation, noted that the DCJet integration strengthens the company’s ability to support business aviation operators with faster response times, greater coordination, and increased technical depth in the field.
AirPro News analysis
The business aviation sector relies heavily on rapid AOG response to maintain dispatch reliability, particularly during peak travel months. By acquiring an established AOG provider like DCJet rather than attempting to scale organically, West Star Aviation has immediately secured both trained personnel and strategic airport access. The reported 84% acceptance rate in May 2026 indicates that the integration is already yielding operational dividends. We expect MRO consolidation to continue as larger providers seek to capture regional market share and alleviate industry-wide technician shortages through strategic acquisitions.
Sources: West Star Aviation
Photo Credit: West Star Aviation
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