De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, known for its robust and versatile turboprops, recently signed a significant contract with Zimex Aviation, making the company the launch customer for the new Garmin avionics packages for the Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. This contract, which calls for delivery of four upgrade kits in the second half of 2024, marks an important step in the ongoing partnership between the two companies. The upgrades promise to further increase the capabilities and efficiency of the Twin Otter aircraft.
The new Garmin avionics packages, developed in collaboration with Aerocorp Avionics Solutions, offer a comprehensive improvement to the Twin Otter's avionics systems. The upgrades include state-of-the-art technology for navigation, communications and flight monitoring, contributing to increased aircraft safety and efficiency. Certification of the upgrades was completed in June 2024, while certification of the new autopilot is expected in early 2025.
Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at de Havilland Canada, was excited about the contract: "Zimex and de Havilland Canada have a decades-long relationship and we are pleased that they have chosen to upgrade their Twin Otters with new avionics suites. The team at DHC can't wait to deliver these advanced avionics system upgrades to Zimex."
Long-term partnership
Zimex Aviation, an experienced operator of de Havilland aircraft, is also excited about the latest developments. Daniele Cereghetti, CEO of Zimex Aviation, stated: "We can confidently say that the Twin Otter aircraft have been the backbone of our company for the past 54 years. We are thrilled to be able to update our current feet with DHC technology and innovation."
The relationship between Zimex and de Havilland Canada is one of the longest-lasting partnerships in the aviation industry. Zimex recently ordered two new DHC Twin Otter Classic 300s at the 2023 Paris Airshow, with delivery expected in 2025. This order demonstrates Zimex's continued confidence in de Havilland Canada products.
The significance of the Twin Otter
The DHC Twin Otter is known for its versatility and robustness. Since its introduction, it has proven itself in many demanding environments, from the extreme conditions of the polar regions to the remote and inaccessible areas of the tropics. With more than 5.000 aircraft delivered worldwide, the Twin Otter has established itself as indispensable for operations in harsh and isolated regions.
The Twin Otter supports a wide range of special operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuations, reconnaissance and coastal surveillance. This versatility and the ability to operate in demanding conditions make the Twin Otter an indispensable tool for operators who require reliable and robust aircraft.
Future outlook and innovation
The new avionics upgrades are part of a broader strategy by de Havilland Canada to ensure the continuous improvement and innovation of its aircraft. With nearly 100 years of experience in the aviation industry, de Havilland Canada is committed to evolving its technologies and meeting the ever-changing needs of the market. The Twin Otter remains a central part of de Havilland Canada's portfolio, particularly for applications where reliability and versatility are critical.
De Havilland Canada has built a reputation for excellence in innovation, manufacturing and customer care. Its aircraft connect rural communities to urban centres and carry millions of passengers and essential cargo each year. This continuous focus on quality and innovation ensures the Twin Otter plays a significant role in the international aviation sector.
The contract between de Havilland Canada and Zimex Aviation for the new Garmin avionics packages represents an important milestone in the partnership between the two companies. The upgrades to the avionics systems will not only improve the performance of the Twin Otter aircraft, but also further solidify the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. By continuously evolving its technologies, de Havilland Canada remains a leader in the aviation industry, ready to meet the demands of the future.
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