Twin-engine turboprop aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Canada, known as the Dash 8.
The De Havilland Dash 8-400, a regional turboprop aircraft renowned for its safety, reliability, and affordability, is undergoing a series of significant upgrades as of 2025. Manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace, the Dash 8-400 has a proven track record, with a high-wing configuration, a spacious cabin, and a maximum takeoff weight of 23,000 kg (50,706 lb).
De Havilland Canada is actively refurbishing Dash 8-400 aircraft, with at least 13 refurbished Dash 8s delivered to 9 operators, over 40 airframes secured for future refurbishment, and 12 more aircraft undergoing upgrades as announced at the 2025 Paris Airshow. This comprehensive refurbishment program aims to modernize and upgrade the existing fleet, enhancing operational performance, particularly in challenging environments like high-altitude and short runway operations.
The refurbished Dash 8-400 boasts advanced avionics, although specific details are not fully disclosed. De Havilland’s newer related aircraft such as the DHC-515, a derivative update, carry advanced Universal Avionics’ Insight touchscreen avionics, signalling that similar modern avionics suites may be considered or integrated into future Dash 8-400 modernizations.
While there is no explicit detail on engine upgrades for the Dash 8-400 in the current 2025 updates, ongoing refurbishment programs generally extend engine life and reliability. The Dash 8-400 is traditionally equipped with either Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A or PW150B turboprop engines.
In terms of cabin design, refurbished aircraft usually feature refreshed interiors to improve passenger comfort and refresh the cabin environment. However, specific cabin redesigns for the Dash 8-400 have not yet been publicly detailed.
De Havilland is considering relaunching a modernized version of the Dash 8-400, engaging customers to understand desired features, with decisions expected imminently. This points to potential future upgrades involving avionics, systems, and possibly structural or engine improvements to meet modern standards.
The Dash 8-400's advanced flight deck, improved fuel efficiency, and quieter cabin make it an attractive choice for regional air travel. The cockpit features multiple redundancies to ensure safe and efficient operation. The aircraft's service ceiling reaches 8,000 m (26,247 ft), and it can cruise at speeds of up to 528 km/h (327 mph). With a wingspan of 28.42 m (94 ft 2 in) and a height of 8.45 m (37 ft 7 in), the Dash 8-400 is capable of operating in a variety of weather conditions and terrains, including short and unpaved runways.
First introduced in 1984, the De Havilland Dash 8 has a long-standing reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. These latest upgrades and improvements are set to further solidify its position in the regional aviation market.
[1] De Havilland Canada. (2025). Dash 8-400 Upgrades. Retrieved from https://www.dehavilland.com/en/products/dash-8/dash-8-400/upgrades.html [2] Bombardier Aerospace. (n.d.). De Havilland Dash 8-400. Retrieved from https://www.bombardier.com/en/commercial-aircraft/dash-8/dash-8-400.html [3] Universal Avionics. (n.d.). DHC-515. Retrieved from https://www.universalavionics.com/products/avionics/aircraft/dh-515 [4] Paris Airshow. (2025). Dash 8-400 Refurbishment Program. Retrieved from https://www.paris-airshow.com/en/exhibitor/de-havilland-canada/news/dash-8-400-refurbishment-program [5] Aviation Week. (2025). De Havilland Plans Modernized Dash 8. Retrieved from https://www.aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/de-havilland-plans-modernized-dash-8
- The refurbishment program for the De Havilland Dash 8-400 is not only focused on its avionics, but also aims to modernize the aircraft's overall performance, particularly in regards to challenging environments like high-altitude and short runway operations.
- As De Havilland considers relaunching a modernized version of the Dash 8-400, it is likely that upgrades will involve improvements not only in avionics, but also in systems, structure, or engines to meet current industry standards in finance and technology.
