SOME of the most famous aircraft in aviation, designed and made by de Havilland, stand a chance of going back into production. Canadian company Viking Air has acquired the Type Certificates for seven de Havilland aircraft, including the famous DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-6 Twin Otter which are still used throughout the world.

Viking, based in Sidney, British Columbia, has been making spare parts for the aircraft since 1982 but only took over the certification from Bombardier earlier this year.

The move has been approved by Transport Canada, the civil aviation authority. “Ownership of the de Havilland Canada Type Certifi cates helps establish Viking as a first-tier original equipment manufacturer in the Canadian aerospace industry,” said Viking President and Chief Executive Officer David Curtis.

“This acquisition enhances Viking’s proven ability to provide a full range of services across all the de Havilland Canada product lines to customers around the world.”

Viking took over product support for the seven aircraft last May. It has since expanded its operations in Victoria, opened a warehousing and distribution facility in Calgary, Alberta, and almost doubled its workforce. The Type Certificates mean Viking gains the exclusive right to re-start production for any of the seven de Havilland Canada aircraft types.

The company says it is “currently assessing market demand”. The aircraft are:
DHC-1 Chipmunk
DHC-2 Beaver
DHC-3 Otter
DHC-4 Caribou
DHC-5 Buffalo
DHC-6 Twin Otter
DHC-7 Dash

“Historically, de Havilland has produced aircraft of unmatched quality and reputation,” continued Mr Curtis.
“Global demand for de Havilland products remains Incredibly strong.”

Around 3500 de Havilland Canada aircraft were produced from 1947 to 1988. Many of these aircraft are still in use today, particularly in difficult terrain such as mountainous areas, lakes and the Antarctic, operating on floats and skis.
W: www.vikingair.com

A BRIEF HISTORY
1910 - Geoffrey de Havilland builds and flies his first aeroplane, the same year he joined His Majesty’s Balloon Factory at Farnborough.

1920 - de Havilland Aircraft Company created, based at Hatfield, Herts. Canadian factory opens in 1928.

1949 - The world’s first jet airliner, the Comet, designed and built by de Havilland, has first flight, the start of a revolution in commercial air transport.

1953 - Crash of the Comet highlights design flaws and is the start of the demise of the company. In 1959, de Havilland merges with Hawker Siddeley.

1986 - Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier acquires de Havilland.