Avmax has recently sold and delivered one Dash 8-103 msn 017 to the Government of Canada, Department of Transport. Avmax’s MRO division prepared the aircraft for delivery and repainted the aircraft to the customer colour scheme.
Through the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and the Whales Initiative, the De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft was acquired to increase the capacity of the National Aerial Surveillance Program. This Program’s marine surveillance missions include detecting oil spills and other marine pollution, and monitoring ship and endangered whale movements.
Over the next two years, the Dash 8 will undergo modifications to become a maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with specialized maritime surveillance systems that are currently used on Transport Canada’s existing fleet.
Transport Canada is also building a new National Aerial Surveillance Program Complex in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to support northern operations.
“Our Government is committed to safe navigation and protection of the marine environment. Expanding our surveillance aircraft fleet allows us to improve local marine reporting and reduce the frequency of oil spills in Canada. This supports our commitment to protecting the endangered marine mammal population,” said the Minister of Transport
The Honourable Marc Garneau