De Havilland Canada Introduces New Avionics Suite for Dash 8-100 and 200 Aircraft

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) announced the development of a new avionics solution for its Dash 8-100 and 200 aircraft. This initiative is in collaboration with Universal Avionics, and the result will be a state-of-the-art, customized Universal InSight avionics suite. The upgrade aims to deliver enhanced performance and reliability for operators of the Dash 8 aircraft.

Jean-Philippe Cote, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement for De Havilland Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We are pleased to introduce an upgraded avionics suite for our Dash 8-100 and 200 customers. This upgrade will ensure that these rugged and reliable aircraft will be flying for many years to come.”

The upgrade promises a host of advancements, including improved situational awareness and navigational capabilities for pilots. By incorporating Universal Avionics’ InSight flight display system, the modernization replaces outdated CRT equipment with five high-resolution LCD displays.

Features like synthetic vision and digital engine indications are set to improve the overall operational safety and efficiency of the aircraft. Additionally, the removal of heavy CRT components further boosts the upgrade's appeal by enhancing weight efficiency.

Widerøe’s Flyveselskap AS is set to be the launch customer for this program. Certification of the new avionics solution is expected by the first half of 2026.

DHC’s commitment to innovation and longevity is evident through this initiative. “Partnering with Universal Avionics to upgrade our Dash 8-100 and 200 aircraft reinforces De Havilland Canada’s commitment to investing in the fleet and delivering modernized and reliable solutions to our customers,” said Cote. He further emphasized that this upgrade aligns with the company's overarching goal of keeping its existing fleet flying while addressing the challenges of maintaining aging components.

De Havilland Canada has a nearly century-long history of excellence in aviation. With over 5,000 aircraft delivered, the company’s legacy is built on reliability, innovation, and robust customer support.