Updated Twin Otter Production To Be Launched

Viking Air, which last year announced that it was considering restarting production of the 19-passenger DHC-6 Twin Otter, confirmed last week that the program will proceed. The British Columbia-based company said it met its required goals: “sufficient firm orders, further investment in the company by majority shareholder Westerkirk Capital, approval by the company board of directors, and the existence of a federal government program that could provide repayable financial assistance for research and development to update the Twin Otter design.” Deliveries of new aircraft–to be produced under a “modified” original type certificate–are scheduled to start within two years. The new aircraft, on wheels, with a standard 19-seat commuter interior and basic instrumentation, sells for $3.2 million. De-ice, float and amphibious and ski landing gear will be offered as options.