De Havilland Canada announced on Thursday that Canadian regional carrier Jazz Aviation will become the first operator of the company’s Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter program, recently approved by Transport Canada.
Yesterday (April 23, 2020), De Havilland Canada announced that Jazz Aviation, operating as Air Canada Express, will become the first operator of the company’s Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter program. The program which has been approved by Transport Canada allows for the reconfiguration of passenger Dash 8-400s into freighters to support the airlift of freight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jazz Aviation has ordered the Service Bulletin and conversion kits for up to 13 Dash 8-400s, which will be exclusively supplied by De Havilland Canada. In Thursday’s announcement, Jazz Aviation LP’s President, Randolph deGooyer said,
“We are delighted to be the first operator for the Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighter and congratulate De Havilland Canada and Transport Canada on offering this sound solution. This innovative opportunity will allow us to redeploy aircraft while contributing to the collective fight against COVID-19 by supporting our customer – Air Canada – and the delivery of essential cargo.”
Also commenting on Thursday’s announcement, De Havilland Canada’s Chief Operating Officer, Todd Young added,
“The reconfiguration of Dash 8-400 aircraft into Simplified Package freighters can be quickly achieved by the removal of seats and seat track covers in the passenger cabin. The reconfiguration, which includes the use of up to 17 nets will provide a potential total payload of up to 17, 960 lb. and a total cargo volume of up to 1,150 cubic feet per aircraft. We will work with Jazz to quickly put their Dash 8-400 Simplified Package Freighters into service and look forward to supplying this solution to other Dash 8-400 aircraft operators around the world to assist in the re-deployment of their fleets to meet the growing demand for airlift and essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In a separate press release of Friday, Air Canada explained that Jazz and Air Canada Cargo will operate the converted Dash 8-400s under the Air Canada Express banner in short and medium haul markets. With the reconfigured passenger cabin and belly-hold space, the converted aircraft will be able to carry a total of 18,000 lbs. (8,165 kgs.) of cargo. Air Canada Cargo has created five segment-specific sales teams to facilitate the cargo-only flights. Interested shippers in Air Canada Cargo’s services should contact AC.freighter@aircanada.ca .
Source(s): De Havilland Canada, Air Canada, Jazz Aviation