Following the acquisition of the Twin Otter type certificate from Bombardier, long-established Viking Air ” based in British Columbia (Canada) ” plans to put the aircraft back into production.
The Twin Otter was first flown in 1965 and 844 were built before production ceased in 1988. It is thought that around 550 remain in service and there is a shortage of quality pre-used examples.
A ubiquitous 19-passenger turbine-powered aircraft, it is particularly noted for its short take-off and landing capabilities. In the United Kingdom working examples can be found in the Isles of Scilly, and the Shetlands, flown under a British Airways franchise.
Speaking exclusively to ABTN at World Travel Market, Viking Air president and CEO David Curtis said that finance was in place and assembly of the first aircraft was planned for the third quarter 2008. "As things stand we have a plant at Calgary, although some work would be done in Vancouver," he said. "We don't intend to produce a new aircraft, but update the fine airframe that exists. A new avionic kit would be provided."
In September a Twin Otter's operators' forum, hosted by Viking Air, attracted over 160 attendees from 20 countries. An extremely professional presentation by the hosts outlined in detail the prospects for the revitalised aircraft, dubbed the Twin Otter -400.