Latest News — Twin Otter World News

Editorial

I would like to take a few moments of your time to recognize the people and organizations that have gone over and above to support and keep the Twin Otter World websites available to you. Running the news and data sites comes at a significant cost to me while being on a fixed income, and this has proven to be a real challenge in 2024 with prices continuing to regularly escalate. Bear in mind that it is not just the hosting costs, there are about a dozen or so ancillary ones that add up significantly. It currently runs about $500.00CAD each month to cover the various costs associated with the websites.

Firstly, I have to thank Steve Gratto and his team at Regent Aircraft Services, who has backed me 100% since they started specializing in Twin Otter work. It has been just great to partner with Regent and have seen the growth of their business, and brand recognition over the past years. Steve has become a good friend, and that is something I value immensely. Next up is the Stevenson family at Rocky Mountain Aircraft in Springbank, who have always been synonymous with the words “Twin Otter”. Their quality work over many, many years has made them a go-to facility for Customers across the globe. Thank-you to Shannon for stepping up whenever I have asked. I also need to acknowledge and thank Montrose Global Aircraft Leasing, who provided a much appreciated contribution earlier this year. Montrose owns or manages eight types of regional aircraft, including a significant fleet of Twin Otters. Last, but certainly not least, is Bob and Pam Ambrose owners of World Wide Ferry who have been regular supporters since the launch of the site twelve years ago. Summing it up, the people and companies above have been the ones that have stepped up when needed to maintain and continue the websites, and in turn I heartily recommend each of them when you are in need of their specialties, they are true leaders in the worldwide Twin Otter community.

The last three months of 2024 are unfortunately looking to be a significant challenge. At the moment, both the DHC-6-400 database and it’s search function are down, as the costs exceed what I can provide myself. Starting in 2025, I will have more disposable income to be able to take care of these kind of things, but the balance of 2024 is going to be a bit ugly unfortunately. Donations of any amount will help, and are greatly appreciated. Paypal (Credit Card), E-Transfer (Canada) and Wire Transfer are all available. Contact me for more details.

Thanks for reading, and the Operator and Fleet Updates are below.

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.

MSN 791 DHC-6-300 C-FDYL Harbour Air at Vancouver Harbour Jun-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.