Island Aviation has signed a firm purchase agreement for two De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 Aircraft. The Philippines-based charter airline will mark the return of the Otter to the islands after a long absence.
On Tuesday (December 21, 2022), De Havilland Aircraft of Canada announced that Island Aviation, Inc. has placed a firm order for two DHC Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Founded in 2003 as A. Soriano Aviation, Inc., the Philippines-based charter airline will return the Otter to the islands after a long absence. The Twin Otter has established a global reputation for its versatility and reliability in a range of extreme environments, and has been deployed on a variety of missions including executive, private , industrial, and commercial operations. The aircraft also offers flexible quick-change interior options in its configurable 19-passenger cabin. To date, over 140 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft have been delivered to customers worldwide.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Island Aviation’s Chief Operating Officer, Captain Emmanuel ‘Butch’ Generoso, said,
“We selected the Twin Otter to support our operations because of its long record of in-service reliability and low operating cost. We are looking forward to the re-introduction of Twin Otters to our fleet where they will service the exclusive resort, Amanpulo with flights from Manila.” Also commenting on the order, De Havilland Canada’s Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Phillippe Poutissou, said,
“De Havilland Canada is delighted to see the Twin Otter return to operation in the Philippines after a long absence and with such an experienced and well-regarded operator as Island Aviation.”
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has delivered over 5,000 aircraft worldwide over their near 100-year history. The company’s portfolio includes worldwide support for the fleet of Dash 8-100/200/300/400 aircraft as well as the production and sales of the Dash 8-400 and Twin Otter aircraft. The De Havilland Dash 8-400, which seats up to 90 passengers, is the only turboprop in its class certified to operate at high altitude airports and offers the flexibility to operate with steep approaches as well as the ability to operate from unpaved runways. The aircraft offers a 30% reduction in fuel-burn versus similar capacity regional jets and is around 160 km/h faster than typical turboprops. The Dash 8-400 aircraft has more than 60 customers worldwide in nearly 40 countries.
Source: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada