The Twotter flies again

A great plane that will not die (text subscriber only):

Viking Air Ltd. plans to restart production of the de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter this month with first deliveries scheduled in 2009. The Twin Otter was last produced in 1988 by de Havilland Canada.

The Victoria, British Columbia-based Viking Air reports having 30 orders for the turboprop-powered, 19-seat transport from small airlines around the world. Designated as the Series 400, the upgraded DHC-6 will feature more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines instead of PT6A-27s, and will be equipped with 19 seats and basic flight instrumentation and avionics. PT6A-35 engines and four-blade propellers will be optional, according to the company. Deicing capability, floats, and amphibious and ski landing gear will be offered as aftermarket kits.

Launch customers include Trans Maldavian Airlines (five aircraft), Loch Ard Otters (six plus six options), Air Seychelles (two), Air Moorea (two) and Zimex Aviation (one). These airlines already operate more than 25 of the aging Series 300 Twin Otters. Loch Ard Otters will act as Viking Air's leasing partner to provide operators with an alternative to purchasing.

Company officials say major subassemblies will be manufactured in Victoria with final assembly and delivery performed in Calgary, Alberta. Viking Air acquired the type certificate and production rights to the DHC-6 from Bombardier Aerospace in 2006. The company also owns rights to produce the DHC-1 Chipmunk trainer, DHC-2 and -2T Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo and DHC-7 transports. Viking Air has been supporting these aircraft since May 2005. Production of the Twin Otter began in 1965, and more than 800 were built. At least 600 remain in service worldwide, according to Viking Air.

I wonder if the Viking Air step will have any relevance to this:

* Utility Transport Aircraft. Bombardier is the favourite to win this contract, valued at about $380-million, with its Dash-8 contract [sic]. [Bombardier had to get something. These planes are supposed to replace the Twin Otters that operate out of Yellowknife. Q Series would be fine for most missions but don't have the STOL capability for some--how will this gap be filled?]