De Havilland Canada Launches Universal InSight Avionics for Dash 8
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) announced on April 8, 2025, the development of a new avionics solution for its Dash 8‑100 and Dash 8‑200 turboprop fleet, partnering with Universal Avionics to create the customized ‘Universal InSight’ suite. Existing operators of the smaller Dash 8 series will be able to upgrade aging cockpit systems with this high‑resolution, weight‑saving package, slated for certification in the first half of 2026.
Jean‑Philippe Côté, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada, emphasized that modernizing the Dash 8‑100 and 200 ensures these rugged, reliable aircraft will continue flying for many years. “Partnering with Universal Avionics to upgrade our Dash 8‑100 and Dash 8‑200 aircraft reinforces DHC’s commitment to investing in the fleet and delivering modernized and reliable solutions to our customers,” he said.
The Universal InSight upgrade replaces legacy CRT instrumentation with five crystal‑clear LCD displays, offering synthetic vision, digital engine indication and enhanced situational awareness. By removing heavy, obsolete components, the suite reduces cockpit weight and improves reliability, making it an attractive retrofit option. DHC is collaborating with systems integrator JANA Inc. to tailor the installation package for each variant, streamlining maintenance and training requirements.
Norwegian regional carrier Widerøe Flyveselskap AS will serve as the launch customer, equipping its fleet of 23 Dash 8‑100s and four Dash 8‑200s with the new avionics. Widerøe’s operations into remote and often challenging airfields will benefit from the improved navigational capabilities and system redundancies provided by Universal InSight. Widerøe’s early adoption underscores the importance of cockpit modernization for airlines that rely on turboprops for connecting smaller communities.
According to ch‑aviation data, there are currently 116 active Dash 8‑100s and 62 Dash 8‑200s operating worldwide, spanning regional airlines, government agencies and humanitarian aid operators. Many of these aircraft still fly with equipment dating back decades, creating logistical hurdles as original CRT parts become scarce and maintenance costs rise. The Universal InSight upgrade addresses these challenges, offering operators a path to retain the proven Dash 8 airframe while complying with evolving airspace requirements and safety regulations.
The certification timeline in the first half of 2026 aligns with DHC’s broader fleet‑support strategy, which includes continuous airworthiness programs and digital transformation initiatives. De Havilland Canada has committed to extending the service life of its Dash 8 fleet through incremental upgrades to engines, props and avionics, ensuring operators can defer costly aircraft replacements.
Beyond commercial justification, the InSight suite underscores DHC’s focus on sustainability and resource efficiency. By enabling existing turboprops to fly longer and safer, the upgrade reduces environmental impact compared to manufacturing new airframes. Enhanced flight efficiency from advanced navigation tools also contributes to lower fuel burn and emissions on typical regional routes.
As regional aviation rebounds from global disruptions, the demand for reliable, cost‑effective turboprops remains strong. De Havilland Canada’s announcement of the Universal InSight avionics upgrade offers a timely solution for operators seeking to modernize their Dash 8‑100 and 200 fleets. With Widerøe leading the rollout and certification on track for mid‑2026, turboprop operators worldwide can look forward to a new era of cockpit capability and operational resilience.
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