EASA authorizes 90-seat Dash 8-400 to operate in Europe

FlyBe - DHC-8-400 Dash 8 (G-JEDU)- Photo: Laurent Errera

European operators of the De Havilland Canada (DHC) Dash 8-400 will soon be able to carry up to 90 passengers on the turboprop after the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) approved the modification to the aircraft.

The aircraft was launched in 2016 when the program was owned by Bombardier; the 90-seat design entered service in 2018 with Indian carrier SpiceJet.

But DHC, which acquired the Dash 8-400 program in 2019, says: "Based on consultations with existing and potential customers, there are opportunities to deploy higher-capacity versions in Europe."

EASA approved on March 23th the change to the aircraft, which will now be able to hold a 90-passenger layout.

And further, according to the company, "Overall, the increased capacity of the Dash 8-400 creates opportunities to increase airline profitability while reducing the already low carbon footprint per passenger."

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