October 30, 2026 (Calgary, AB) — De Havilland Canada (DHC) is pleased to announce that the company has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC) that will allow the company to double De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) production.
Canada and EDC have agreed to provide up to $2.5 billion in financing that will allow DHC to accelerate production and bring additional aircraft slots to market starting in 2030 and ramping up to double the company’s current aircraft production capacity.
De Havilland Canada will use this financing to hire new staff and invest in additional production capacity across its Canadian sites in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener, and Fort Erie with supply chain jobs being created from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
This commitment will ensure more waterbombers will be produced sooner, and will create thousands of Canadian jobs, strengthening Canada’s ability to build these essential aircraft.
In addition, De Havilland will work with suppliers to the DHC-515 program to accelerate delivery of aircraft components to DHC to facilitate the production of these additional aircraft.
It is anticipated that the transaction will be complete by the first quarter of 2027.
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.
Discover more at: www.dehavilland.com
Noah Note: A very big show of confidence for DeHavi. I don't think anyone will deny that the 515 is a platform eith a lot of opportunity to succeed, already has several major orders under it's belt. The Dehavilland team has been trying really, really hard to get things set up and operating.
There are a few areas where I think things need to be a bit tightened so to say. I worry the company is focused too much in trying to make several products a thing at once. I think the Dash could do with more love in the portfolio, and they really, really need to get Dehavilland field moving, like actual construction getting good if they want to meet their ambitions.
And they are ambitious, and I love it. I love to see how much they're trying to do and all the Ideas they have, but I do worry if they're getting a bit ahead at times, sometimes at the expense of playing it slower and safer in the short and medium. Make no mistake also, I think support Dehavi is great here.
Reestablishing another manufacturer, especially the 515 and Dash lines, would be amazing. I want to see resources dedicated to make that happen. So I won't argue this.
Love it. It about time.