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Longview Aviation suspends new aircraft production

Longview Aviation Capital, parent company of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and Viking Air, on March 20 announced the immediate suspension of manufacturing operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting reduced airline activity.

This manufacturing suspension will be applied to new production Dash 8-400 aircraft at De Havilland’s Downsview facility in Toronto, as well as new production Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft at Viking’s facilities in Victoria, BC and Calgary, Alberta.

The company states that approximately 800 employees or 65 per cent of De Havilland’s current workforce, and 180 employees or 40 per cent of Viking current workforce will be affected.

Longview explains the manufacturing suspension applies only to new aircraft production; and that De Havilland and Viking will continue to provide full product support and technical services to all in-service De Havilland and Viking aircraft. All other Longview business activities will continue as usual, including: Customer support operations (parts and in-service aircraft support); CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter conversions through Longview Aviation Services; and Aircraft leasing activity through Longview Aviation Asset Management.

“This is a period of considerable challenge for our industry and for our customers, and we must adapt to this new – hopefully temporary – reality,” said David Curtis, executive chairman, Longview Aviation Capital. “In this context, we will focus our efforts on supporting our customers’ existing in-service fleets and delivering the other services our companies provide to the global aviation industry. We will remain in close contact with our customers and continue to monitor the evolving situation.”