In a move that signals a strengthening market for high-quality regional aircraft, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has announced the delivery of an OEM refurbished Dash 8-400 to the specialist regional lessor, TrueNoord. This specific aircraft is destined for the Australian market where it will be placed on lease to Nexus Airlines, a carrier that is rapidly becoming an essential link for remote communities in Western Australia.

The delivery was finalized at De Havilland’s facility in Calgary and highlights a strategic pivot for regional operators who are increasingly choosing OEM-certified refurbishment over standard used acquisitions. This “as-new” approach allows carriers to benefit from the proven dependability of the Dash 8-400, which remains the industry standard for blending jet-like speeds with superior fuel efficiency. Unlike traditional second-hand purchases, the OEM Refurbished Program ensures the aircraft meets the same structural and safety standards as a new production model while allowing for tailored upgrades that suit the operator’s specific environmental requirements.

Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at De Havilland Canada, noted that the program is designed to meet the needs of growing regional operations by providing a balance of value, performance and reliability. This sentiment was echoed by Carst Lindeboom of TrueNoord, who expressed excitement about the partnership and the ability to enable their customers to deliver vital air services with absolute confidence.

For Nexus Airlines, the acquisition marks a significant milestone in their fleet strategy. Managing Director Michael McConachy emphasized that the support from TrueNoord and De Havilland Canada strengthens their commitment to providing reliable, community-focused air services across the vast distances of Western Australia. The Dash 8-400 is particularly suited for this role because it can operate on the shorter, often unpaved runways found in remote mining towns and rural hubs, yet it remains fast enough to cover massive geographic stretches without the time penalties associated with smaller turboprops.

As the aerospace industry moves through 2026, the refurbishment of high-performance airframes like the Dash 8-400 represents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the regional sector. By extending the life of existing aircraft to “as-new” standards, De Havilland Canada is helping airlines bypass long production backlogs while maintaining the high-value jobs and innovation that define the Canadian aerospace industry.