De Havilland Canada and Widerøe Sign Agreement for Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program
Press Release
New maintenance program will allow Widerøe’s Dash 8-400 aircraft to spend more time flying and less time in maintenance.
July 20, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that Widerøe, Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, has signed an agreement to implement De Havilland Canada’s new Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program across its fleet of 17 aircraft.
Under the agreement, Widerøe will become the first Dash 8-400 operator to adopt the new maintenance program, which extends the interval between scheduled A-Checks from 800 to 1,200 flight hours. By reducing the number of routine maintenance inspections required, the program allows aircraft to spend more time in service while maintaining the highest standards of safety and airworthiness.
Implementation of the program is now underway and is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.
The longer maintenance interval will help Widerøe reduce aircraft downtime, increase fleet availability, and lower the labour and material costs associated with scheduled maintenance.
“We’re continually looking for ways to help our customers improve fleet performance,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada. “This new program will reduce maintenance costs and allow operators to spend less time in the hangar and more time in the air, while maintaining the high safety and reliability standards the Dash 8 is known for. We’re pleased that Widerøe is leading the way as our launch customer.”
De Havilland Canada’s confidence in the program builds on its longstanding relationship with Widerøe. In 2021, the two companies successfully introduced similar maintenance interval extensions for Widerøe’s Dash 8-100, -200 and -300 aircraft, increasing the time between both A-Checks and C-Checks while maintaining the same high standards of safety and reliability.
The agreement reflects De Havilland Canada’s ongoing commitment to developing practical maintenance solutions that help operators improve fleet availability, reduce operating costs, and maximize the value of their Dash 8 aircraft.
About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, proudly designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft we produce creates high-value jobs, strengthens our national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy.
Built in Canada. Made for the world.
With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Our aircraft connect people and places—from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs—carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year.
Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
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