Global Fleet Update for 05-Feb-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

176 - DHC-6-200 N137JR JRS Sky Inc., Pound Ridge, NY

Flew Mount Pocono MPO - Lumberton LBT - New Smyrna Beach EVB - Fort Lauderdale FXE 02-Feb-2024.

239 - DHC-6-300 8Q-RAQ Manta Air Pvt Ltd., Malé [AER LLC]

Noted at Malé 25-Jan-2024 having had the floats installed, and awaiting certification. The aircraft had arrived at Manta’s base in Kuvahuvadhoo from Fort Pierce, FL back on 21-Apr-2023.

286 - DHC-6-300 N969AC Berry Aviation Inc., San Marcos, TX

Updating previous entry; flew Honolulu HNL - Santa Rosa STS - San Marcos HYI 25/26-Jan-2024. Over a period of 5 weeks, and not including the internal Philippine operations (25-Dec-2023 to 22-Jan-2024), the aircraft flew 19,997 miles.

Berry Aviation Inc. was awarded a contract in the Philippines, partnering with Columbia Helicopters and the U.S. Transportation Command in Aug-2023. DHC-6-300 N675BA, operating as CACTU75 remains operational in the Philippines.

371 - DHC-6-300 C-FCPV Air Borealis LP, Goose Bay, NL

Updating previous entry; flew Springbank YBW - Winnipeg YWG - Timmins YTS - Wabush YWK - Goose Bay YYR 27/28-Jan-2024 following maintenance with Rocky Mountain Aircraft.

406 - DHC-6-300 N171GC Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Boulder City, NV [Cortez Fisher LLC]

Updating previous entries; Flew Louisville SDF - Little Rock LIT - Lubbock LBB - Gallup GUP - Boulder City BVU 25/26-Jan-2024, completing its move from the Northeast operation back to base.

565 DHC-6-300 HB-LWB Nordic Seaplanes [DHC-6 Invest A/S, Beder]

Updating previous entry; following its cancellation from the Swiss register on 14-Jan-2024, it was then registered in Malta as 9H-OCEAN to Nordic Sky Ltd., Gozo.

617 - DHC-6-300 N617JP TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc. Trustee, Salt Lake City, UT [AER LLC]

As seen below, N617JP remains grounded at Altenrhein/Saint Gallen in need of an engine after diverting there on 16-Jan-2024 whilst on delivery from Fort Pierce to the Maldives for Manta Air.

955 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Test flown from Calgary YYC 23-Jan-2024, 31-Jan-2024 in preparation for its delivery to Flybig in India.

Global Fleet Update for 09-Feb-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

133 - DHC-6-200 N926MA Skydive Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore, CA [Speed Star Express LLC]

Flew San Luis Obispo SBP - Lake Elsinore CA89 02-Feb-2024 following repairs; it had been present at San Luis Obispo since 13-Dec-2023.

218 - DHC-6-200HG P2-MCC PNG Air Ltd., Boroko

Registered to Skytek Pte Ltd., Port Moresby, NCD as of Jan-2024

389 - DHC-6-300 P2-ASM Air Sanga Ltd., Boroko

Registered to Skytek Pte Ltd., Port Moresby, NCD as of Jan-2024

406 - DHC-6-300 N171GC Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Boulder City, NV [Cortez Fisher LLC]

Having flown Louisville SDF - Little Rock LIT - Lubbock LBB - Gallup GUP - Boulder City BVU 25/26-Jan-2024, it was a quick turn around and back to the cargo operation in New York/New England. On 05/07-Feb-2024 it returned Boulder City BVU - Amarillo AMA - Rogers ROG - Louisville SDF - Syracuse SYR - Plattsburgh PBG.

955 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Following installation of ferry tanks, the aircraft flew Springbank YBW - Saskatoon YXE - Iqaluit YFB 08/09-Feb-2024 on its delivery flight to Flybig in India. MSN 955 was built in 2016, and had remained with the manufacturer since that time.

Global Fleet Update for 09-Feb-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

133 - DHC-6-200 N926MA Skydive Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore, CA [Speed Star Express LLC]

Flew San Luis Obispo SBP - Lake Elsinore CA89 02-Feb-2024 following repairs; it had been present at San Luis Obispo since 13-Dec-2023.

218 - DHC-6-200HG P2-MCC PNG Air Ltd., Boroko

Registered to Skytek Pte Ltd., Port Moresby, NCD as of Jan-2024

389 - DHC-6-300 P2-ASM Air Sanga Ltd., Boroko

Registered to Skytek Pte Ltd., Port Moresby, NCD as of Jan-2024

406 - DHC-6-300 N171GC Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Boulder City, NV [Cortez Fisher LLC]

Having flown Louisville SDF - Little Rock LIT - Lubbock LBB - Gallup GUP - Boulder City BVU 25/26-Jan-2024, it was a quick turn around and back to the cargo operation in New York/New England. On 05/07-Feb-2024 it returned Boulder City BVU - Amarillo AMA - Rogers ROG - Louisville SDF - Syracuse SYR - Plattsburgh PBG.

955 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Following installation of ferry tanks, the aircraft flew Springbank YBW - Saskatoon YXE - Iqaluit YFB 08/09-Feb-2024 on its delivery flight to Flybig in India. MSN 955 was built in 2016, and had remained with the manufacturer since that time.

Global Fleet Update for 12-Apr-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

240 - DHC-6-300 C-FWAH Transwest Air LP, Prince Albert, SK

Canadian registration cancelled 28-Feb-2024. Flew Saskatoon YXE - Calgary YYC 31-Mar-2024 for a work package to be undertaken by Regent Aircraft Services. Included in the scope of the work is installation of a Garmin 950 flight deck, and replacement of the current long nose with a short one.

264 - DHC-6-300 Vistaliner N72GC Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Boulder City, NV [Monarch Enterprises LLC]

U.S. registration cancelled 05-Mar-2024 on export to Bahamas. Delivered via road transport from Boulder City, NV to Calgary-Int’l, AB late March 2024 to Regent Aircraft Services for strip, overhaul and repainting.

285 - DHC-6-300 Vistaliner N190GC Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Boulder City, NV [Monarch Enterprises LLC]

Following completion of work at Regent Aircraft Services the aircraft flew Calgary YYC - Spokane GEG - Twin Falls TWF - Boulder City BVU 11-Apr-2024 returning to Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines.

726 - DHC-6-300 J8-RAF Air Mustique Ltd., Saint Vincent

Last service 03-Apr-2024 Mustique MQS - Saint Vincent SVD. Flew Saint Vincent SVD - Tortola EIS - Providenciales PLS - Fort Lauderdale FXE - Thomason OPN - Cape Girardeau CGI - Lincoln LNK - Minot MOT - Regina YQR - Calgary YYC 05/09-Apr-2024 for attention by Regent Aircraft Services. The work package will include overhaul and re-wiring, interior upgrade, Garmin 950 installation, strip and repaint, all completed in house at Regent.

Kobio Aviation’s new DHC-6-300 Twin Otter seen below at Port Moresby after painting. This is the former C-GWQC which was acquired from Rocky Mountain Aircraft.

Global Fleet Update for 23-Apr-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

Papua New Guinea’s Province of Morobe acquires former Chinese DHC-6-400

The Government of Morobe is acquiring a DHC-6-400 which will be operated by newly established Morobe Wings Ltd. Representatives of the government are currently in China finalizing an agreement, and the aircraft is expected to be based in Nadzab, which is located 42km inland from the coastal town of Lae.

82 - DHC-6-200HG C6-SAM Titan Air Ltd., Nassau [Gravitas Aviation Ltd.]

Flew Nassau NAS - Fort Lauderdale FXE - Perry FPY - Paragould PGR - Millard MLE - Cut Bank CTB - Calgary YYC 17/18-Apr-2024 for maintenance work to be completed by Regent Aircraft Services.

448 - DHC-6-300 Vistaliner CC-CFN Aerocord, Puerto Montt [Inversiones FK Ltda.]

Noted at La Paloma 21-Feb-2024 parked, and without engines. A variety of different aircraft parts can be seen stored inside the cabin as well.

533 - DHC-6-300 C-FAKB Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Flew Tuscaloosa TCL - Springfield SGF - Sioux Falls FSD - Rapid City RAP - Williston XWA 05/11-Apr-2024 returning from lease to Seaborne Airlines. The aircraft had operated for Seaborne since 27-Feb-2017, and was replaced on 24-Feb-2024 by MSN 464 C-GPOQ.

855 - DHC-6-400 C-GKUT Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Flew Springbank YBW - Great Falls GTF - Ogalla OGA - Mena MEZ 19-Apr-2024, likely for painting. C-GKUT had been acquired by Rocky Mountain Aircraft in Feb-2024, having previously been operated in Tahiti as F-ONOA.

906 - DHC-6-400 C-GVTU Kenn Borek Air Ltd., Calgary, AB

Canadian registration cancelled 16-Apr-2024 to Timor Leste. C-GVTU had been flying under a Canadian registration since its initial delivery on 26-Oct-2015.

955 - DHC-6-400 C-FVAT Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC

Canadian registration cancelled 01-Mar-2024 on export to India with Flybig.

Global Fleet Update for 26-Apr-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

792 - DHC-6-300 8Q-RAK Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd., Malé [Ikhana Aircraft Holdings]

Flew Malé MLE - Al Ain AAN 26-Apr-2024 beginning a ferry flight to Murrieta, CA returning to Ikhana. The aircraft is seen below at Malé prior to departure.

Global Fleet Update for 01-May-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

792 - DHC-6-300 8Q-RAK Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd., Malé [Ikhana Aircraft Holdings]

Updating previous entry, flew Malé MLE - Al Ain AAN - Hurghada HRG - Heraklion HER - Luxembourg LUX - Reykjavík RKV - Sept-Iles YZV - Farnham CSN7 25/30-Apr-2024 returning to Ikhana Aircraft Holdings in Murrieta, CA.

997 - DHC-6-400 C-FDTO Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC New Aircraft

Registered 30-Apr-2024

Global Fleet Update for 06-May-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

27 - DHC-6-100 N227WW Skydive Cuatla, Cuatla [Win Win Aviation]

Flew Matamoros MMA - Brownsville BRO - Russellville RUE - DeKalb DKB 13-Feb-2024 on return to Win Win Aviation. To Fayard Enterprises [Paul & Nancy Fayard dba], Wake Forest, NC 15-Apr-2024. Flew DeKalb DKB - Ashland 3G4 26-Apr-2024 on delivery to AerOhio Skydiving.

664 - DHC-6-300 C-GZUG Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Flew Springbank YBW - Spokane GEG - Santa Maria SMX - Kalaeloa JRF 05-May-2024 on delivery to the Solomon Islands. C-GZUG was acquired by Rocky Mountain in Feb-2023, arriving at Springbank in Apr-2023 for overhaul and upgrades. The delivery flight is being undertaken by World Wide Ferry.

792 - DHC-6-300 8Q-RAK Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd., Malé [Ikhana Aircraft Holdings]

Updating previous entry, flew Malé MLE - Al Ain AAN - Hurghada HRG - Heraklion HER - Luxembourg LUX - Reykjavík RKV - Sept-Iles YZV - Farnham CSN7 - Pontiac PTK - Pagosa Springs, CO - Murrieta F70 25/03-May-2024 returning to Ikhana Aircraft Holdings in Murrieta, CA.

Global Fleet Update for 09-May-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

Air Vanuatu Enters Administration 06-May-2024

Government owned Air Vanuatu has been placed into administration with Trustees Ernst & Young. The Board of Directors was dissolved on 06-May-2024, and all flight operations were suspended the same day. The company has been involved in a lengthy legal dispute with Isleno Leasing, which began back in 2009, and was adjudicated on 20-Aug-2018, with a finding against Air Vanuatu. Subsequently, on 02-May-2024, Isleno Leasing petitioned the courts for dissolution of the airline.

664 - DHC-6-300 C-GZUG Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Updating previous entry; flew Springbank YBW - Spokane GEG - Santa Maria SMX - Kalaeloa JRF - Majuro MAJ - Honiara HIR 05/09-May-2024 on delivery to Solomon Airlines. C-GZUG was acquired by Rocky Mountain in Feb-2023, arriving at Springbank in Apr-2023 for overhaul and upgrades. The delivery flight is being undertaken by World Wide Ferry.

Global Fleet Update for 15-May-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

Air Vanuatu Update

Having been placed into administration with Ernst & Young Trustees on 06-May-2024, Air Vanuatu will possibly resume operations according to the trustee.

Among options noted by Ernst & Young is placing the business in private hands.

532 - DHC-6-300 N532CV Bridger Aerospace Inc., Belgrade, MT [Element Otter LLC]

Last service Grand Island GRI - Rapid City RAP - Bozeman BZN 17-Apr-2024. Flew Bozeman BZN - Great Falls, GTF - Saskatoon YXE 09-May-2024. U.S. registration was cancelled 13-May-2024 and imported to Canada 14-May-2024 to 600418 Saskatchewan Ltd., La Ronge, SK. Registered to AirSask Aviation Ltd., Prince Albert, SK 15-May-2024 as C-GPDC.

664 - DHC-6-300 C-GZUG Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Canadian registration cancelled 13-May-2024 to Solomon Islands.

Special Report for 03-Jul-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

Global Fleet Report for 10-Jul-2024

Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

90 - DHC-6-100 VH-BVS Seair Pacific, Bilinga, QLD [Istlecote Pty Ltd./Pacific Turbine Leasing Pty Ltd.]

Last service 01-Jun-2024 Lady Elliot Island YLTT - Gold Coast OOL; flew Gold Coast OOL - Brisbane BNE - Apia APW - Hilo ITO - Vancouver, WA VUO - Vancouver YVR - Pitt Meadows YPK 28-Jun/07-Jul-2024.

234 - DHC-6-300 8Q-TMO Trans Maldivian Airways, Malé [Seaplane Holding Cayman Ltd.]

Damaged as a result of float attachment failure at Miriandhoo Resort, Maldives 09-Jun-2024; repairable.

542 - DHC-6-300X2 P2-BBM Tropicair Ltd., Boroko

Left runway and came to a halt in a drainage ditch while landing at Kikori, Papua New Guinea 08-Jun-2024. There were no injuries, and limited damage, as can be seen in the photos below.

664 - DHC-6-300 H4-SIF Solomon Airlines, Honiara [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises]

Registered 13-May-2024, ex C-GZUG

791 - DHC-6-300 C-FDYL Regent Aircraft Services Ltd., Calgary, AB

Test flown at Calgary YYC 18-Jun-2024 upon completion of rebuild, upgrade and repainting by Regent. Flew Calgary YYC - Vancouver YVR 19-Jun-2024 on delivery to Harbour Air.

827 - DHC-6-300 5W-FAW Samoa Airways, Apia

Flew Apia APW - Hilo ITO - Klamath Falls LMT - Calgary Int’l YYC - Airdrie CEF4 24/28-May-2024 for overhaul & refurbishing by Unity Aviation Canada.

845 - DHC-6-400 HB-LUX Zimex Aviation Ltd., Glattbrugg

Flew Cayenne CAY - Port of Spain POS - Pointe-a-Pitre PTP 31-May-2024 on lease to the reincarnated Air Antilles. It was subsequently flown to Saint Barthelemy SBH on 17-Jun-2024 for a period of crew training until the end of the month, and then entered service Pointe-a-Pitre PTP - Saint Barthelemy SBH on 01-Jul-2024.

855 - DHC-6-400 C-GKUT Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises Ltd.]

Following repainting the aircraft flew Mena MEZ - Ogalla OGA - Billings BIL - Calgary-Int’l YYC - Springbank YBW 05/06-Jul-2024 in full Flybig c/s, as seen in the photo below. It had arrived in Mena back on 19-Apr-2024.

939 - DHC-6-400 OB-2184P Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes S.A., Lima [Longview Aviation Asset Management]

Flew Lima LIM - Guayaquil GYE - Panama PTY - Liberia LIR - Cozumel CZM - Harlingen HRL - Billings BIL - Calgary YYC 31-May/05-Jun-2024 returning to lessor. The aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance and import checks by Regent Aircraft Services.

976 - DHC-6-400 N600MH Aviation Trust Company LLC, Oklahoma City OK

Flew Tulsa RVS - Sault Ste Marie YAM - Goose Bay YYR - Keflavík KEF - Altenrhein/Saint Gallen ACH - Bastia BIA - Tunis TUN Jun-08/12-2024.

Global Fleet Report for 25-Sep-2024

Operator News, Individual aircraft sales, register updates and aircraft movements

Harbour Air Launches Airport-to-Airport Vancouver/Victoria Flights with the Twin Otter

VANCOUVER, B.C., September 19, 2024 – Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, is excited to announce the upcoming rollout of their first-ever wheeled flight service between Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) South Terminal and YYJ Victoria International Airport from November 4th, 2024. To celebrate the launch, a special introductory same-day round-trip offer is available from $249 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for the first 150 seats, for travel between Nov 4 – Nov 30, 2024.

Launching November 4, 2024 with up to 3 daily round-trip flights Monday to Friday, the addition of wheeled flights and ability to fly during hours of darkness marks a first for the seaplane airline, as it has traditionally only flown during visible daylight hours due to its aircraft operating on floats and water.

With the addition of wheeled aircraft, Harbour Air is responding to increased market demand from local and business travelers seeking flexible early morning and late evening options previously unserved by Harbour Air. The converted Canadian-built 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft will have wheels and de-icing equipment installed which will enable them to fly in diverse winter weather and operate at airports outside of daylight hours, providing additional flight times and more choice for travelers.

“We’re very excited to launch our first-ever wheeled flights between YVR’s South Terminal and YYJ Victoria International Airport and provide passengers with new flexible early morning and late evening commuting options”, states Chris Fordyce, VP Commercial, Harbour Air Group.

“We know how much our customers value our product; however, being limited to flying during daylight-only hours has prevented us from operating at key times desired during winter. The ability to fly in darkness and operate at airports on wheels is a game changer for us and will provide increased convenience for passengers travelling along these routes. With the combination of wheeled and seaplane flights, Harbour Air will offer more daily frequencies than any other regional transport carrier along this route.”

“Harbour Air provides direct and convenient access from YVR across the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, up to Whistler and into Seattle. We are thrilled that they are introducing for the first time a wheeled aircraft on their route from Vancouver to Victoria and about the added flexibility this brings for travelers. We look forward to the new aircraft taking off on November 4,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at YVR.

Flybig to Launch Twin Otter Seaplane Routes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Following the easing of guidelines for seaplane operations, regional airline flybig plans to commence services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Flybig’s CMD, Saanjay Mandavia, said that the planned operations will be the first seaplane flights to and from Car Nicobar Airport and Campbell Bay Airport.

The regional airline plans to deploy De Havilland Canada Twin Otter aircraft on these routes. “Will potentially start by the end of the year or early next year depending on approvals and arrival of our first aircraft.”

The airline’s first Twin Otter aircraft floatplane is slated to join the fleet by the end of October.

“flybig has recently concluded an agreement with the government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which will enable us to make this strategic move,” Mandavia told FE.  According to Mandavia, the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter aircraft, are “perfectly suited” for operations in the islands.  This type of aircraft, he said, is capable of landing on both water and land and will enable flybig to connect remote regions and promote tourism in the archipelago.

In August, the ministry of civil aviation launched Guidelines for Seaplane Operations under the regional connectivity scheme Udan.

Several firms, including SpiceJet, Mehair, and Heritage Aviation, along with global OEMs, have shown interest in this emerging sector.

Pegasus Air Services Finalizes Purchase Fourth Twin Otter Series 400

Farnborough, United Kingdom, July 23, 2024 – Today, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) and Pegasus Air Services finalized the purchase of a new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to add to Pegasus’ growing fleet and to support their strategic growth plans.

Currently operating with three DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, Pegasus Air Services offers chartering services, private aviation, aircraft management services, aviation consultancy, and fixed base operations to a diverse customer base.

“We are excited to add another DHC-6 Twin Otter to support our expanding business,” said Dinul Ichsan Avis, Director – PT Pegasus Air Services. “The Twin Otter is an exceptional aircraft, and the customer service from De Havilland Canada has been top-notch. It’s a perfect purchase and partnership for our growing company.”

The new addition to their fleet will be stationed at the Aceh Province in Sumatra Islands and will be utilized for air access between Banda Aceh, Lhok Sukon, and Medan, North Sumatra.

“We continue to see great interest in the Twin Otter in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for De Havilland Canada. “It’s a market leader as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class, and we are pleased to see this order further grow the Twin Otter fleet in Indonesia with Pegasus Air Services.”

The versatile DHC-6 Twin Otters carry passengers, move cargo, conduct medivac operations, and perform special missions in the world’s most challenging environments. De Havilland Canada introduced the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G in 2023, the latest generation of the Twin Otter aircraft, joining the current Series 400 aircraft. The DHC-6 family of aircraft allows for access to communities typically not accessible by other means, thanks to its short take-off and landing (STOL)capabilities coupled with multiple landing gear options.

Colombia’s SATENA Orders Eight Twin Otters

Farnborough, United Kingdom, July 23, 2024 – Today, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) and Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales S.A. (SATENA) signed a firm agreement for the purchase of eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft to add to SATENA’s growing fleet and to support their strategic growth plans for Colombia.

The purchase of the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will provide essential air connectivity in Colombia, opening access to remote communities throughout the country. De Havilland Canada’s DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft provides the best in market access to remote regions, offering exceptional operating economics that will successfully drive SATENA’s growth strategy for the next 50 years.

“The De Havilland Canada Twin Otter, with its modern cockpit, rugged airframe, and proven reliability, is the right addition to our fleet and will support our mission to go beyond expectations, expand our routes, and reach new destinations,” said Major General Óscar Zuluaga Castaño, President. “SATENA’s exceptional air service, coupled with the DHC-6 aircraft, will be the catalyst for ensuring mobility, growth, and access to the most remote regions in Colombia.”

Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to start later in 2024.

“We are excited and proud that SATENA has chosen the Twin Otter to serve the rapidly growing South American market, and we look forward to working with them,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for De Havilland Canada. “The DHC-6 Twin Otter stands alone as the most versatile aircraft in its class with its modern avionics and rugged airframe. Its addition to SATENA’s network will offer the flexibility and reliability needed for the growing demand for air service throughout Colombia.”

Versatile DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft carry passengers, move cargo, conduct medivac operations, and perform special missions in the world’s most unforgiving environments. The DHC-6 family of aircraft allow for access to communities typically not accessible by other means, thanks to its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities coupled with multiple landing gear options.

Irish Garda Air Support Unit Orders DHC-6-400 Twin Otter Guardian

An Garda Síochána has purchased a new high-tech surveillance aircraft, which is due to enter service next year.

The fixed-wing plane is significantly larger than the model it is replacing, a British-made Britton Norman Defender, which is 27 years old and nearing the end of its service life.

Garda headquarters confirmed an aircraft had been purchased but declined to go into any specifics on the model or costs.

However, security sources say the aircraft is a Canadian-made De Havilland Twin Otter Guardian. These cost about €6.5 million before any surveillance equipment is added. The force’s budget for last year included an allowance of €7 million for a new aircraft.

The plane will require two pilots to fly it instead of the Defender’s single pilot. These would fly alongside a team of specialist gardaí operating surveillance equipment in the aircraft’s rear.

As is standard, the plane will be piloted by Air Corps officers and serviced by Air Corps technicians. However, military sources have raised concerns about the availability of personnel to operate the aircraft, which is expected to enter service in the middle of next year.

Its mission will exclusively centre on intelligence gathering and surveillance. The aircraft is designed to operate at high altitude, invisible to people on the ground, and it can remain on station in the air for hours at a time.

In previous years, the Garda aircraft has been used to monitor activity by organised crime groups and subversives, although its exact activities are a closely guarded secret.

In a statement issued last month, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada said it had sold a Twin Otter Guardian to “an undisclosed European country for surveillance operations”.

The aircraft will now be fitted with a wide range of cameras and surveillance equipment, which will allow it to monitor activity on the ground from a heigh of 5,000ft. It can also be adapted to carry out medical evacuations but it is not known if the Garda aircraft will be used for this purpose. If converted to a passenger aircraft, it can carry 19 people.

According to publicly available specifications, the Guardian has a maximum range of 1,400km and can stay in the air for up to seven hours.

The Government has also provided funding for a new Garda helicopter, with the option to purchase a second. The Garda Air Support Unit currently operates two helicopters, which fly out of Casement Aerodrome in Dublin and are also piloted by Air Corps officers.

90 - DHC-6-100 VH-BVS Seair Pacific, Bilinga, QLD [Istlecote Pty Ltd./Pacific Turbine Leasing Pty Ltd.]

Updating previous entry; last service 01-Jun-2024 Lady Elliot Island YLTT - Gold Coast OOL; flew Gold Coast OOL - Brisbane BNE - Apia APW - Hilo ITO - Vancouver, WA VUO - Vancouver YVR - Pitt Meadows YPK 28-Jun/07-Jul-2024. Australian registration cancelled 06-Aug-2024 and registered to North Wright Airways Ltd., Norman Wells, NT 29-Aug-2024 as C-GYVQ.

455 - DHC-6-300 C-GHHA Harbour Air Ltd., Richmond, BC

Transferred from floats to wheels, and flew Vancouver YVR - Calgary YYC 30-Aug-2024 for maintenance with Regent Aircraft Services.

523 - DHC-6-300 HB-LRO Air Caledonie International, Noumea [Zimex Aviation]

Flew Hihifo WLS - Nadi (NAN) - Luganville SON - Port Moresby POM - Dili DIL - Surabaya SUB - Subang SZB - Colombo CMB 19/24-Sep-2024 returning to Zimex Aviation.

791 - DHC-6-300 C-FDYL Regent Aircraft Services Ltd., Calgary, AB

Updating previous entry, was registered to Harbour Air Ltd., Richmond, BC 13-Aug-2024.

855 - DHC-6-400 C-GKUT Rocky Mountain Aircraft, Calgary, AB [Ashe Aircraft Enterprises Ltd.]

Updating previous entries; flew Calgary YYC - Olds CEA3 - Prince Albert YPA - Iqaluit YFB - Keflavík KEF - Cardiff CWL - Belgrade BEG - Hurghada HRG - Al Ain AAN - Delhi DEL - Dehradun 15/23-Aug/2024 on delivery to Flybig. Canadian registration cancelled 26-Aug-2024 to India. The ferry flight was undertaken by Calgary based World Wide Ferry.

939 - DHC-6-400 OB-2184P Servicios Aéreos de Los Andes S.A., Lima [Longview Aviation Asset Management]

Registered to Regent Aircraft Services Ltd., Calgary, AB 22-Aug-2024 as C-FGOR.

993 - DHC-6-400 C-FVDH De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 26-Sep-2024. (New Build)

996 - DHC-6-400 C-GDHG De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 19-Sep-2024. (New Build)

997 - DHC-6-400 C-FDTO De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Calgary, AB

Registered 25-Sep-2024. (New Build)