De Havilland signs service life extension agreement with Widerøe

Widerøe Dash 8-100 Image (CNW Group/De Havilland Aircraft of Canada)

TORONTO — Norwegian air transport equipment rental company, Widerøe Asset AS, has signed an agreement with De Havilland Canada to incorporate the Canadian aircraft manufacturer’s extended service program to Widerøe’s Dash 8-100 aircraft.

Under the ESP PLUS agreement, the service life of the Dash 8-100 aircraft will be increased to 160,000 flight cycles. The aircraft previously underwent an ESP to increase their service life from the original 80,000 flight cycles to 120,000.

“Our Dash 8-100 aircraft have proven to be exceptionally valuable assets in our fleet and once again we are very pleased to work with De Havilland Canada to extend their service life,” said Werner Skaue, director aircraft trading, Widerøe Asset AS in a statement.

“Since 2009, when we helped launch the program, we have utilized the Extended Service Program on 20 of our Dash 8-100 aircraft and the aircraft continue to prove their durability, reliability and cost-effectiveness in supporting our demanding operations — especially in the challenging climate of northern Scandinavia. The program is vital to bridge the transition between conventional and new technology, and will ensure continuous service of the Norwegian STOL network until zero emission technology is available for entry into service.”