Ethiopia converting Dash-8s to freighters

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a proposal for two Dash 8-400 Freighter – Large Cargo Door (F-LCD) conversion kits from De Havilland Aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow on Jul. 20.

The proposal provides an option for an additional two F-LCD conversion kits. The two parties are finalising a definitive and binding agreement.

“Cargo has played a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines’ operations over the past couple of years, and will remain a key growth pillar of our business over the coming years,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines Group.

“The pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts have given rise to significant opportunities in the cargo space and we see great value in converting our older Dash 8-400 fleet to freighters to capitalize on these growing opportunities.”

De Havilland’s vice president customer experience, Philippe Poutissou, said the proposal is “a superb testament to the versatility of the Dash 8-400 aircraft to satisfy a wide variety of operational requirements.

“The Dash 8-400 aircraft’s industry-leading operating costs and environmental footprint, as well as its outstanding performance and large cabin volume have facilitated our introduction of a series of freighter options — including quick change, package freighter and LCD freighters — to better serve the expanding cargo market.

Ethiopian’s MRO and engineering division is already an authorised service facility and will carrying out the conversions.

“This conversion capability will support Ethiopian’s fleet needs and can be offered to other Dash 8 aircraft operators in Africa and neighbouring regions as an additional choice to the conversions De Havilland Canada can perform in Canada or through our mobile repair team,” Poutissou said.