De Havilland Canada Announces Avionics Upgrade for Dash 8-100/200 Series
April 9, 2025
Keeping a Reliable Workhorse in the Skies: Avionics Upgrade for legacy dash 8s
Calgary, Alberta – In a move that underscores its commitment to supporting its existing fleet, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) announced on April 8, 2025, the advancement of a new avionics solution for the Dash 8-100 and 200 series aircraft. This upgrade, in partnership with Global Avionics, aims to extend the operational life of these regional airliners, enhancing safety and efficiency for operators worldwide, including those serving critical routes within the United States.
The custom Universal InSight avionics suite is designed as a retrofit, providing a cost-effective path for operators to modernize their cockpits without investing in entirely new aircraft. For smaller regional airlines, like those serving Essential Air Service (EAS) routes in the U.S., this upgrade presents a particularly attractive option. These routes, frequently enough connecting smaller communities to larger hubs, rely on aircraft like the Dash 8 for their ability to operate from shorter runways and in diverse weather conditions.
“We are pleased to introduce an upgraded avionics suite for our Dash 8-100 and 200 customers,”
Jean-Philippe Cote, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement for De Havilland Canada
Cote added, “This upgrade will ensure that these rugged and reliable aircraft will be flying for many years to come.”
Boosting Safety and Situational Awareness
Developed in cooperation with Universal Avionics and JANA Inc., the avionics upgrade promises improved navigational capabilities and enhanced safety. The key benefit lies in providing pilots with improved situational awareness, a critical factor in preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations, especially in challenging environments. For U.S.operators flying in mountainous regions or areas prone to inclement weather, this enhanced situational awareness can be a game-changer.
The certification of the new avionics solution is anticipated in the first half of 2026. Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS will be the launch customer for the upgrade program.
This timeline is crucial for airlines planning their maintenance and upgrade schedules and weighing the benefits of retrofitting their existing Dash 8s versus investing in newer, perhaps more expensive, aircraft.
Universal’s InSight flight display system brings a significant upgrade to the Dash 8 cockpit. The installation includes five high-resolution LCD displays, offering improved synthetic vision and digital engine indication. This replaces older CRT equipment. These enhancements not only reduce weight but also provide pilots with a clearer, more intuitive interface, leading to reduced workload and improved decision-making.
Economic Implications and Extending Fleet Life
The decision to invest in avionics upgrades rather than new aircraft is frequently enough driven by economic considerations.The Dash 8, known for its durability and operational efficiency, represents a significant capital investment for many airlines. Extending the lifespan of these aircraft through upgrades allows operators to maximize their return on investment.
For U.S. regional airlines, the cost savings associated with avionics upgrades can be substantial. New regional jets can cost tens of millions of dollars,while a thorough avionics upgrade represents a fraction of that cost. This allows airlines to allocate resources to other critical areas, such as route development, customer service, and employee training.
Beyond the direct cost savings, avionics upgrades can also lead to indirect benefits, such as reduced maintenance costs and improved fuel efficiency. Modern avionics systems are typically more reliable and require less frequent maintenance than older systems. Furthermore, enhanced navigation and flight management capabilities can optimize flight paths, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
“Partnering with Universal Avionics to upgrade our Dash 8-100 & 200 aircraft reinforces De havilland Canada’s commitment to investing in the fleet and delivering modernized and reliable solutions to our customers.”
Jean-Philippe Cote,Vice President of programs and Business Improvement for De Havilland Canada
Cote also mentioned,”The new avionics provides a good solution to replace components tough to replace and repair. This solution is part of our overall goal as a company to keep our existing fleet flying.”
Addressing Potential Concerns
While the benefits of avionics upgrades are clear, some potential counterarguments need to be addressed. One concern is the cost and complexity of the upgrade process itself. Airlines will need to factor in the downtime required for installation and the potential disruption to their operations. Though, DHC and Universal Avionics are likely to offer comprehensive support and training to minimize these disruptions.
Another concern is the long-term availability of spare parts and support for the upgraded avionics systems. Airlines will want to ensure that Universal avionics and DHC are committed to providing ongoing support for the InSight system throughout its operational life. This includes access to spare parts, software updates, and technical expertise.
The Future of Regional Aviation
De Havilland Canada’s investment in the Dash 8 avionics upgrade reflects the critical role that regional aircraft continue to play in connecting communities and supporting economic growth. By providing a cost-effective path to modernization, DHC is helping to ensure that these reliable workhorses remain a viable option for airlines for years to come.
For U.S. readers, this news highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of regional air travel. The dash 8, with its proven track record and now with enhanced avionics, is well-positioned to continue serving communities across the country, connecting people and businesses and facilitating economic opportunity.
Key Benefits of the Avionics Upgrade
| Benefit | Description | U.S. Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Increased Safety | Improved situational awareness and navigation. | Reduces risk in diverse U.S. terrains and weather. |
| Extended Fleet Life | Allows airlines to operate Dash 8s longer. | Protects investment in existing aircraft assets. |
| Cost Savings | Lower cost than purchasing new aircraft. | Critical for regional airlines on tight budgets. |
| Improved Efficiency | Reduced maintenance and potential fuel savings. | Enhances profitability and sustainability. |
| Enhanced pilot Experience | Modern cockpit with intuitive displays. | Reduces workload and improves decision-making. |
