FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Twin Otter Operators’ Forum Sees Viking Detail New-Production Aircraft
Specifications, price, delivery dates outlined to 160 delegates from 20 countries.
Victoria, British Columbia, September 28, 2006 - Viking Air Limited, which recently announced its intention to re-start production of the de Havilland Twin Otter, outlined the details necessary to arrive at a decision at an international operators’ forum in downtown Victoria, September 12-14. The forum was attended by 160 delegates from 87 companies in 20 countries*.
The new aircraft, based on the original 19-seat Series 300, will be designated the Twin Otter Series 400, and will see its major components built in Victoria with aircraft assembled and delivered from Calgary, Alberta. Several performance and production upgrades will be incorportated into the new aircraft, which will sell for US $3.2 million in 2006 dollars, adjusted to the consumer price index at the time of delivery. Float, amphibious and ski landing gear will be offered as aftermarket options.
Operators will also be able to select their desired avionics and cockpit systems. “Glass cockpit” technology and multi-function displays (MFD) will enhance reliability and save significant weight on new-production airplanes.
The only significant performance change from the Series 300 is in the powerplants. The original engines, Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27s, will be supplanted by higher output, more efficient PT6A-34 engines, flat rated to 620 hp.
The aircraft’s operating weight empty will also be reduced from the Series 300 through use of composites in secondary structures such as doors, radome/nose sections and fairings.
Viking president and CEO, Dave Curtis, emphasized that the Series 400 would not stray in design from the last production aircraft off the de Havilland Canada line. “After 844 were built from 1965 to 1989, we know it’s a proven product with a unique market niche; there’s no point in reinventing a worldwide success,” he said. “The global representation of current operators at the forum speaks volumes about the latent demand for new aircraft.”
Earlier this year Viking acquired, with the exception of the DASH 8 /Q-Series turboprop aircraft, all type certificates, design, production and trade rights to the entire line of de Havilland Canada aircraft from Bombardier Inc. These comprise the Chipmunk, Beaver, Otter, Caribou, Buffalo, Twin Otter and DASH 7 aircraft. The DASH 8 remains in production at Bombardier’s Toronto facilities.
The operators’ forum gave owners and pilots a platform to witness the production and marketing goals of Viking, keeping in mind that the aircraft would be operated on wheels, skis and floats in the most demanding terrain and weather conditions on earth. More than 600 Twin Otters remain in service of the 844 built. The last aircraft was delivered 17 years ago and many are reaching the end of their design service life. Major components such as wings have been available from Viking for several years.
“It’s rugged and reliable, and respected the world over,” Curtis added. “As a true Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) airplane, with up to 19 seats and at home on tarmac, snow and water, the Twin Otter has no equal; it has been too long away from production. In fact, independent market surveys by Conklin & deDecker indicate a demand for more than 400 airplanes over the next ten years. “Through the Series 400, we want to establish a Western-based aircraft manufacturing presence as well,” Curtis said.
Twin Otters are flown by such diverse operators as commuter airlines, Antarctic and desert expeditions, coastal taxis, para-droppers, airborne research firms and corporate transportation departments.
Curtis pointed out that the decision to restart the Twin Otter line is effectively now up to the marketplace itself. “When we get sufficient, deposits-down orders for new aircraft, we will commence production. That decision will then dictate the delivery schedule.” He added that there are two other things officially required in order to proceed: Federal Government development participation via Technology Partnerships Canada, and Viking Board approval.
Canada’s Export Development Corporation, a financing arm of the Federal government will also play a significant role in assisting the market development of the new Twin Otter program.
The Series 400 will comply with and be certificated to a modified FAR-23 basis.
Although Viking holds the right to comply only with the original standard, certain updated production processes and certification standards will be incorporated into the Series 400 aircraft. Many have been developed by Viking and others during the production hiatus.
Viking is working closely with Transport Canada to define and describe acceptable practices in keeping with the mandate of safety as well as conformity to the original type certificate. The performance, weights and dimensions will remain the same, with the exception of time to climb and improved fuel economy with the uprated engines.
With sufficient firm orders, Viking predicts a 24-month production ramp-up schedule for first delivery, increasing over time to satisfy demand.
The company will continue to produce and supply spares for the full legacy de Havilland Canada line.
Incorporated in 1970, Viking Air Limited has established itself in the aviation community as a high-quality aerospace manufacturer and an aircraft modification, sales, leasing and repair facility. Viking has held the Type Certificates for the de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-2T Turbo Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4, Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter and DHC-7 DASH 7 since February 2006. Current customers include Bombardier Aerospace, Bell Helicopter Textron, and numerous de Havilland heritage aircraft operators worldwide. For more information, please visit www.vikingair.com.
Viking is part of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation and real estate sectors.
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Note: Viking Air Limited is not related to, endorsed by, part of, or working with Bombardier Inc.or any of its affiliates on this project.
Information:
David Curtis; Robin Moore: (250) 656-7227
Twin.otter@vikingair.com
Media Contact:
Jamie McIntyre/
Romeo Oscar marketing communications (514) 780-8525
Countries represented at operators’ forum, Sept 12-14, 2006:
Canada
USA
Maldives
France
Australia
Iceland
Venezuela
Switzerland
Greece
UK
United Arab Emirates
Cayman Islands
Scotland
Costa Rica
Saudi Arabia
French West Indies
Netherlands Antilles
Fiji
French Polynesia
Ireland
US Virgin Islands
About Viking
Incorporated in 1970, Viking Air Limited has established itself in the aviation community as a high quality aerospace
manufacturer and an aircraft modification, sales, leasing and repair facility. Current customers include Bombardier
Aerospace, Bell Helicopter Textron, Middle River Aircraft Systems and numerous de Havilland heritage aircraft operators worldwide.
For more information, contact Robin Moore robin@vikingair.com
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