ANA ordered seven refurbished Dash 8 aircraft from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, the airline announced on July 22, 2024. It did so on the same day that De Havilland Canada OEM-certified refurbishment program of the type was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered gradually from 2025 onward and will be used to replace the airline’s older Dash 8 Q400s.
According to ANA’s statement, “The aircraft will be modified to match the specifications of ANA Group’s existing DHC-8-400 fleet, ensuring they meet safety management standards and requirements with ANA’s maintenance system.” The aircraft will be procured and refurbished by the Canadian manufacturer and delivered to ANA with valid warranty.
ANA currently operates 24 airframes of the type, each with 74 economy class seats. The oldest airframe, JA841A, was delivered to Air Nippon Network in mid-2003 and later transferred to ANA Wings. The newest, JA465A, was delivered to ANA Wings in December 2017. Air Nippon Network, the predecessor of ANA Wings, put the aircraft into service on November 1, 2003.
“The De Havilland Canada OEM Certified Refurbishment Program is a program whereby DHC acquires, upgrades, and re-markets the aircraft for each specific customers’ needs. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) work will take place at our facilities in Calgary, Alberta,” said De Havilland Canada’s statement. The manufacturer said so far it acquired 28 airframes for the refurbishment program.
