RCAF acquires three new de Havilland Dash 8-400 trainers

De Havilland of Canada will manufacture the new Dash 8-400s domestically. The aircraft have a rich history in commercial service, with some airlines like Horizon Air having retired their fleets. "De Havilland Canada aircraft have been part of the RCAF for almost as long as the Royal Canadian Air Force has been flying," said Ryan DeBusk, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada.

SkyAlyne plans to use these aircraft to replace the CT-142 version from the Dash 8 family. The CT-142 has served in the RCAF since December 20, 1989. The need for these new trainers stems from SkyAlyne's aim to provide high-quality in-flight training for future ACSOs and AES Ops who play crucial roles in missions such as search & rescue, humanitarian relief, aerial refueling, and maritime patrol.

Kevin Lemke, General Manager at SkyAlyne, expressed enthusiasm about integrating a proven platform with advanced simulation solutions: "SkyAlyne is excited to be able to combine a proven aircraft platform in the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 with our advanced airborne simulation solution for the Future Aircrew Training program."

The acquisition signifies an investment in Canadian aerospace excellence while enhancing RCAF's training capabilities with modern technology-packed airframes.