As the aviation industry evolves toward more eco-friendly operations, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) is investing in emerging technologies and innovative thinking to support greener initiatives. One significant milestone was achieved when the Dash 8-400 turboprop became the first regional aircraft recertified to meet the most recent and stringent noise emission standards set by ICAO Chapter 14 [1]. 

Featuring a powerplant that’s optimized for performance and low noise footprint, the Dash 8-400 aircraft has once again proven to be an environmentally advanced design and its recertification in 2020 is an achievement that did more than reflect the aircraft’s low community noise footprint during take-off and landing; it was also a testament to the role the aircraft will play in regional fleets going forward. “Our fleet of more than 600 Dash 8-400 aircraft delivered, will derive the benefit of the recertification and will have the ability to access noise sensitive airports with fewer limitations and lower noise-related charges without the need for product change to meet ICAO Chapter 14 requirements,” says Robert Mobilio, Vice President, Engineering and Quality, De Havilland Canada.

Indeed, when it comes to servicing airports located close to, or even within, noise-sensitive areas such as city centres, the Dash 8-400 turboprop is in a class of its own. The aircraft offers exceptional airfield and climb performance, which when considered alongside its low noise and carbon footprint, further distinguishes it as the responsible choice for operators.  

Having logged over 10 million flight hours and transported more than 550 million passengers worldwide, the Dash 8-400 turboprop has proven itself to be a reliable, fuel-efficient and low-emission aircraft. When compared to similarly-sized regional aircraft, the Dash 8-400 turboprop boasts the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per passenger, and when compared to the most efficient narrowbody jets, it produces 50% lower emissions and operates at half the trip cost. 

The Dash 8-400 aircraft has also shown itself to be the most versatile large commercial turboprop and supports operations in a wide array of airline business models. It provides the lowest cost per seat to support low cost carrier (LCC) regional networks; its jet-like speed and comfort facilitate its deployment as a network connector feeding traffic to urban hubs; and its exceptional performance permits it to do point-to-point connections that are especially important in connecting communities in remote areas. Supported by De Havilland Canada’s expert engineering teams, the Dash 8-400 aircraft is also highly customizable to support Quick Change, Cargo-Combi and full freighter conversions. In addition to being the most advanced and efficient turboprop deployed in regional airline and air transport roles around the world, De Havilland Canada’s versatile Dash 8-400  aircraft continues to be an ideal platform for special mission operations such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

The Dash 8-400 turboprop was also the first regional aircraft powered by biofuels during revenue flights – an achievement that helps to position De Havilland Canada at the forefront of the development of greener aviation technologies. By actively innovating across the Dash 8 aircraft platform, including product improvements that will reduce operating and ownership costs and help prepare fleets for the industry’s move to greater sustainability, De Havilland Canada is ensuring that Dash 8 Series aircraft remain at the forefront of the regional aircraft market around the world.  

Our aircraft are known for their industry-leading credentials on sustainability. In the development of our future aircraft designs we are exploring new propulsion technology options that will likely shape the future of aviation.  De Havilland Canada and parent company Longview Aviation are uniquely positioned to participate in this green journey by leveraging the unique capabilities of our aircraft platforms in the net-zero emissions challenge.  We have had discussions with many parties on the “greening” of aviation and are keen to see our products fulfill their potential for decades to come.