Hydro-Québec Orders ATR72-600s to Replace Aging DHC-8 Fleet
Hydro-Québec, Canada’s state-owned power utility, is upgrading its aviation fleet with the purchase of three ATR72-600 aircraft to replace its aging DHC-8-300 and DHC-8-Q400 turboprops. The investment, totaling CAD100 million (USD70.5 million), includes an option for a fourth ATR aircraft.
The first ATR72-600 is scheduled for delivery in autumn 2026, with the final unit arriving by summer 2027. Hydro-Québec selected ATR after a market review, stating the aircraft met essential technical needs, including sufficient passenger capacity and the ability to operate from short gravel runways commonly found in remote Canadian regions.
The ATR72-600 features components manufactured in Canada, such as the PW127XT engines by Pratt & Whitney Canada and locally produced flight controls, further supporting Canadian aerospace manufacturing.
Hydro-Québec operates its fleet to transport staff to remote locations including Saguenay (Bagotville), Abitibi, Côte-Nord, and Baie-James. According to ch-aviation data, the current fleet includes two DHC-8-300s and two DHC-8-Q400s, with an average age of 27.5 years.
The transition to the new fleet aligns with Hydro-Québec’s long-term operational and safety goals. As part of an ongoing partnership established in 2021, Air Inuit will continue to supply personnel to support maintenance operations for the new ATR aircraft.
This fleet renewal marks a significant modernization step for Hydro-Québec, ensuring reliable access to critical infrastructure in remote regions of Quebec while enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com