Canada’s Air Inuit takes first Dash 8-300F with LCD

Air Inuit (3H, Kuujjuaq) has completed the conversion of its third DHC-8-300(F), which is also the world’s first unit of the type outfitted with a large cargo door.

C-GAIW (msn 300) operated its first post-conversion test flight around Montréal Trudeau on November 5, 2021, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. It has since been regularly active on certification flights. The 30-year-old turboprop was previously operated by LIAT (LIA, Antigua) in passenger configuration. Air Inuit added it in 2015 but kept it stored until 2019 when it was inducted into conversion at Montreal airport. The Canadian regional specialist signed an agreement to develop the new conversion variant jointly with Bombardier Aerospace, the then owner of the Dash 8-300 type certificate, in 2016.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows that Air Inuit operates a further two DHC-8-300(F)s, neither of which has large cargo doors. As such, the carrier is the world’s sole operator of the type in a cargo configuration.

Air Inuit’s fleet also comprises two B737-200(C)s, one B737-300(QC), six DHC-6-300s, two DHC-8-100s, two DHC-8-300s, and six DHC-8-Q300s.