De Havilland Canada Agrees to Double DHC-515 Production
News related to:De Havilland Canada · 2 min read
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 30, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- De Havilland Canada, a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, has announced a significant agreement that will allow the company to double its production of the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aircraft. The deal, which includes up to $2.5 billion in financing from the Government of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC), will enable De Havilland Canada to accelerate production and bring additional aircraft slots to market starting in 2030. The company plans to ramp up production to double its current aircraft production capacity by the first quarter of 2027.
The financing will be used to hire new staff and invest in additional production capacity across its Canadian sites in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener, and Fort Erie. This move is expected to create supply chain jobs from Newfoundland to British Columbia, contributing to the growth of Canada's aerospace industry. According to De Havilland Canada, the commitment will ensure more waterbombers are produced sooner, thereby strengthening Canada's ability to build these essential aircraft.
De Havilland Canada will also work with suppliers to the DHC-515 program to accelerate the delivery of aircraft components to facilitate the production of these additional aircraft. The company has a proud history of designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support.
Every aircraft produced by the company creates high-value jobs, strengthens the national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy. The company's near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
This commitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada's aerospace capabilities and support the country's critical firefighting and rescue efforts. The DHC-515, known for its robust design and reliability, is a key asset in Canada's fleet of waterbombers, playing a crucial role in forest fire suppression and other missionized operations. By doubling production, De Havilland Canada aims to meet the growing demand for these essential aircraft and ensure that Canada remains well-equipped to handle its most pressing environmental challenges.
The agreement with the Government of Canada and EDC underscores the government's commitment to supporting the aerospace sector and fostering economic growth through innovation and advanced manufacturing. The funding will not only support the expansion of De Havilland Canada's operations but also create a ripple effect of job creation and economic activity across the Canadian supply chain.
In conclusion, the agreement to double DHC-515 production is a significant milestone for De Havilland Canada and the Canadian aerospace industry. It reflects the government's investment in critical infrastructure and the company's dedication to maintaining its leading position in the global market for missionized aircraft.