Airflite Expands Fleet with New DHC-8-Q300

Airflite Flying College, headquartered in Moorabbin, has taken a significant step in expanding its fleet by acquiring its first De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q300 turboprop. This acquisition is a key part of Airflite’s strategy to obtain a CASR Part 121 Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), which is essential for operating larger aircraft in-house. In the interim, Airflite has announced that the new DHC-8-Q300 will be available for lease to other operators, enhancing the company’s revenue streams and operational flexibility.

The 22-year-old DHC-8-Q300, registered as VH-AO9 (msn 591), made its journey to Perth International Airport from Malé, passing through several key locations including Hambantota, Banda Aceh, Johor Bahru, Majalengka Kertajati International, Denpasar, and Port Hedland between November 5 and 20. Powered by reliable Pratt & Whitney PW100 engines, the aircraft was previously configured with 50 all-economy seats during its service with Maldivian Airlines (Q2, Malé), which continues to operate three units of this type.

Originally delivered to ANA Wings in January 2003, the DHC-8-Q300 served the Japanese regional carrier for 11 years before being returned to lessor Nordic Aviation Capital. After an 18-month period of inactivity, the aircraft joined Maldivian’s fleet in October 2015 as 8Q-IAR. Now under Airflite’s management, VH-AO9 is poised to support the company’s expansion into larger-scale operations and training capabilities.

According to the latest data from ch-aviation’s fleets module, Airflite’s DHC-8-Q300 adds to a fleet of twenty-one active DHC-8-Q300s operated by four Australian airlines. Eastern Australia Airlines, a subsidiary of Qantas operating as QantasLink, leads with 16 units. Maroomba Airlines and Skippers Aviation each manage two aircraft, while Skytrans operates one unit. This competitive landscape highlights the robust demand for reliable turboprop aircraft in the regional aviation market.

In addition to the recent DHC-8-Q300 acquisition, Airflite secured another turboprop from the DHC-8 family, the DHC-8-Q200 VH-AO8 (msn 579), in November 2023. However, this aircraft was de-registered in April 2024 and has not been operated since its purchase. Instead, Airflite plans to repurpose the fuselage for cabin crew training as part of its growth initiatives for the Aviation College at Perth Jandakot, as stated by managing director Homer Constantinides.

Currently, Airflite operates a diverse fleet under its CASR Part 119 AOC, which includes one Beech King Air B200, fourteen Cessna 172Ss, two Cessna 182Ts, one Cessna 208B, twelve Diamond DA-40NGs, two Piper PA-34s, twelve Piper PA-44s, and one American Champion 8KCAB Decathlon. The majority of these aircraft are dedicated to flight training, supporting Airflite’s mission to provide comprehensive aviation education and training.

Beyond its flying college and charter operations, Airflite offers a wide range of aviation solutions, including aircraft sales, leasing, maintenance, repair, and defense support services. The company also provides fixed-base operations (FBO) services at Perth International, enhancing its role as a key player in the regional aviation industry.

The pursuit of a CASR Part 121 AOC represents a major milestone for Airflite, enabling the airline to manage larger aircraft and expand its operational capabilities. This move aligns with Airflite’s strategic growth plans, aimed at enhancing service offerings and meeting the evolving demands of the aviation market. By securing the necessary certification, Airflite is positioning itself to offer more extensive charter services and support a larger fleet of aircraft.

Airflite’s strategic acquisition of the DHC-8-Q300 underscores its commitment to expanding its operational footprint and providing versatile, high-capacity aircraft for both training and charter purposes. With a focus on maintaining a modern, efficient fleet and leveraging leasing opportunities, Airflite is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and further establish itself in the competitive aviation sector.

For more information about Airflite Flying College and its comprehensive aviation services, visit their official website or contact their customer service team to explore tailored flight training and charter options.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com