Val Air Inc was an airline based in Quebec City Canada that was founded by Gilles Filiatreault, a former CEO of the Caribbean carriers LIAT and BWIA.
62-589: On December 9, 2003 the Canadian Transportation Agency issued a license for the carrier to operate domestic services with small aircraft. On February 24, 2004 the CTA suspended the airline's operating license as the certificate of insurance on file with the Agency had been canceled. The Val Air fleet comprised a single DHC Dash 8-100 aircraft. This article relating to a Canadian airline
124-626: A -102, was built in 2005. In April 2008, Bombardier announced that production of the remaining classic versions (Series Q200 and Q300) would be ended, leaving the Series Q400 as the only Dash 8 still in production. Production of the Q200 and Q300 was to cease in May 2009. A total of 672 Dash 8 classics were produced; the last one was delivered to Japan Coast Guard in August 2008. Continuing on with
186-428: A C-check. By August 2018, the 90-seat variant was certified before delivery to launch customer SpiceJet later in the same year. In March 2021, EASA certified the 90-seat variant for European operations; DHC believed that there were opportunities with prospective European customers as of 2021 . On November 8, 2018, Canadian company Longview Aviation Capital Corporation, through its subsidiary Viking Air , acquired
248-658: A dispatch reliability over 99.5%. By July 2018, 844 Dash 8s were in airline service: 143 Series 100 with 35 operators, 42 Series 200 with 16 operators, 151 Series 300 with 32 operators and 508 Q400s. By then, 56 orders were in backlog. The DHC-8 has been involved in 80 aviation accidents and incidents including 31 hull losses . Those resulted in 180 fatalities. In September 2007, two separate accidents of similar landing gear failures occurred within four days of each other on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. A third accident occurred in October 2007, leading to
310-488: A few hours later, Bombardier recommended that all Q400s with more than 10,000 flights be grounded until further notice. This affected about 60 aircraft, out of 140 Q400s then in service. On October 27, 2007, Scandinavian Airlines Flight 2867 en route from Bergen to Copenhagen had severe problems with the landing gear during landing in Kastrup Airport. The right wing gear did not deploy properly (or partially), and
372-612: A fully privatized company. The first Crown corporation was the Board of Works, established in 1841 by the Province of Canada to construct shipping canals. The first major Canadian experience with directly state-owned enterprises came during the early growth of the railways . The first Canadian Crown corporation after confederation was the Canadian National Railway Company , created in 1922. During
434-571: A high-density, 90-seat layout of the Q400, which would enter service in 2018; keeping the 28 in (71 cm) seat pitch of the Nok Air 86-seats, an extra row of seats is allowed by changing the configuration of the front right door and moving back the aft pressure bulkhead . The payload is increased by 2,000 pounds (910 kg) and the aircraft maintenance check intervals are increased: 800 hours from 600 for an A-check and 8,000 hours from 6,000 for
496-546: A mandate (by royal charter) to govern a specific territory called a charter colony , and the head of this colony, called a proprietary governor , was both a business manager and the governing authority in the area. The first colonies on the island of Newfoundland were founded in this manner, between 1610 and 1728. Canada's most famous and influential chartered company was the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), founded on May 2, 1670, by royal charter of King Charles II . The HBC became
558-552: A market DHC felt would be compelling. However, only a handful of air carriers employed the Dash 7, as most regional airlines were more concerned about the operational costs (fuel and maintenance) of four engines, rather than the benefits of short-field performance. In 1980, de Havilland responded by dropping the short-field performance requirement and adapting the basic Dash 7 layout to use only two, more powerful engines. Its favoured engine supplier, Pratt & Whitney Canada , developed
620-457: A maximum capacity of 39, the Series 200 has the same capacity but offers more powerful engines, the Series 300 is a stretched, 50-seat version, and the Series 400 is further stretched to a maximum of 90 passengers. Models delivered after 1997 have cabin noise suppression and are designated with the prefix "Q". Production of the Series 100 ceased in 2005, followed by the 200 and 300 in 2009, leaving
682-509: A mixture of commercial and public-policy objectives. They are directly and wholly owned by the Crown (i.e. the government of Canada or a province). Crown corporations represent a specific form of state-owned enterprise . Each corporation is ultimately accountable to (federal or provincial) Parliament through a relevant minister for the conduct of its affairs. They are established by an Act of Parliament and report to that body via
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#1732798674396744-455: A new factory refurbishment programme. In the 1970s, de Havilland Canada had invested heavily in its Dash 7 project, concentrating on STOL and short-field performance, the company's traditional area of expertise. Using four medium-power engines with large, four-bladed propellers resulted in comparatively lower noise levels, which combined with its excellent STOL characteristics, made the Dash 7 suitable for operating from small in-city airports,
806-569: A property transaction made by Bombardier before the 2019 sale to DHC, DHC had to vacate its Downsview , Toronto, manufacturing facility in August 2022, and as of August 2023 is planning to restart Dash 8 production in Wheatland County, Alberta , by 2033. At the July 2024 Farnborough International Air Show , DHC announced orders for seven Series 400 aircraft, an order for a newly introduced quick-change combi aircraft conversion kit, and
868-561: A relevant minister for the conduct of its affairs. Although these corporations are owned by the Crown, they are operated with much greater managerial autonomy than government departments. While they report to Parliament via the relevant minister in Cabinet , they are "shielded from constant government intervention and legislative oversight" and thus "generally enjoy greater freedom from direct political control than government departments." Direct control over operations are only exerted over
930-545: A symbol of modern Quebec, helping to create the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s where French-speakers in Quebec rose to positions of influence in the industrial economy for the first time, and Quebec nationalism emerged as a political force. This model followed by SaskPower in 1944 and BC Hydro in 1961. Other areas provinces were active in included insurance ( Saskatchewan Government Insurance , 1945) In Alberta,
992-429: Is 80,000 flight cycles. Under an extended service program launched in 2017, the service life of Dash 8-300 is extended by 50 percent, or approximately 15 years, to 120,000 flight cycles. The Series 400 introduced an even longer airframe that was stretched 6.83 metres (22.4 ft) over the Series 300 (10.26 metres (33.7 ft) over the Series 100/200), had slightly more wing span due to a larger wing section inboard of
1054-606: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . De Havilland Canada Dash 8 The De Havilland Canada DHC-8 , commonly known as the Dash 8 , is a series of turboprop -powered regional airliners , introduced by de Havilland Canada (DHC) in 1984. DHC was bought by Boeing in 1986, then by Bombardier in 1992, then by Longview Aviation Capital in 2019; Longview revived the De Havilland Canada brand. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150s , it
1116-441: Is offered, which increases maximum operating altitude to 27,000 ft (8,200 m). Between its service entry in 2000 and the 2018 sale to Longview/Viking, 585 had been delivered at a rate of 30-35 per year, leaving a backlog of 65 at the time of the 2018 sale. In 2017, its unit cost was US$ 32.2 million. By 2017, the Q400 aircraft had logged 7 million flight hours with 60 operators and transported over 400 million passengers with
1178-581: The Tanzania Government Flight Agency . The company also announced the launch of a factory refurbishment programme, for which 28 aircraft had been purchased, along with new freighter and combi aircraft conversion kits; one of the latter had been ordered by Advantage Air, DHC said. In December 2021, DHC entered into a partnership with ZeroAvia with a view to offering the ZA-2000 hydrogen-electric propulsion as an option for
1240-697: The 2,200 ft (670 m) required by a fully laden Dash 7. The introduction of the regional jet altered the sales picture. Although more expensive than turboprops, regional jets allow airlines to operate passenger services on routes not suitable for turboprops. Turboprop aircraft have lower fuel consumption and can operate from shorter runways than regional jets, but have higher engine maintenance costs, shorter ranges, and slower cruising speeds. When world oil prices drove up short-haul airfares in 2006, an increasing number of airlines that had bought regional jets began to reassess turboprop regional airliners, which use about 30–60% less fuel than regional jets. Although
1302-495: The 2019 sale to DHC, DHC decommissioned its Downsview , Toronto, manufacturing facility in August 2022, and in 2023 confirmed its plans to restart Dash 8 production in Wheatland County, Alberta , outside of Calgary, by 2033. At the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, DHC announced orders for seven Series 400 aircraft, including one for Skyward Express , two for Widerøe , and one for
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#17327986743961364-552: The Board of Directors' approval, I have decided to immediately remove Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from service." The preliminary Danish investigation determined the latest Q400 incident was unrelated to the airline's earlier corrosion problems, in this particular case caused by a misplaced O-ring found blocking the orifice in the restrictor valve . Crown corporations of Canada Crown corporations ( French : Société de la Couronne ) are government organizations in Canada with
1426-466: The DHC-8, as a line-fit option for new aircraft and as an approved retrofit for existing aircraft. In May 2023, ZeroAvia unveiled a DHC-8 Q400 donated by Alaska Airlines for use as a testbed aircraft. Distinguishing features of the Dash 8 design are the large T-tail intended to keep the tail free of prop wash during takeoff, a very high aspect ratio wing, the elongated engine nacelles also holding
1488-500: The East to create Canadian National Railways (CNR) in 1918 as a transcontinental system . The CNR was unique in that it was a conglomerate , and besides passenger and freight rail, it had inherited major business interests in shipping, hotels, and telegraphy and was able create new lines of business in broadcasting and air travel. Many of the components of this business empire were later spun off into new Crown corporations including some
1550-561: The Q400 as the only series still in production. The Series 100 was the original 37-39 passenger version of the Dash 8 that entered service in 1984. The original engine was the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW120 and later units used the PW121. Rated engine power is 1,800 shp (1,340 kW). The Series 200 aircraft maintained the same 37–39 passenger airframe as the original Series 100, but was re-engined for improved performance. The Series 200 used
1612-521: The Q400's centre fuselage. The Q400 components are chemically milled while older variants are assembled from bonded panels and skins. The production of the Dash 8 Series 100 stopped in 2005, and that of the Series 200 and 300 in 2009. Bombardier proposed the development of a Q400 stretch with two plug-in segments, called the Q400X project, in 2007. It would compete in the 90-seat market range. In response to this project, as of November 2007 , ATR
1674-613: The Q400, the 1,000th Dash 8 was delivered in November 2010. Bombardier aimed to produce the Q400 more economically. A deal with its machinists union in June 2017 allowed the assembly of the wings and cockpit section outside Canada and searches for potential partners commenced. Bombardier expected to produce the cockpit section in its plant in Queretaro, Mexico , outsourcing the wings to China's Shenyang Aircraft Corp , which already builds
1736-614: The actions of these organizations. The Crown is not liable for Crown corporations with non-agent status, except for actions of that corporation carried out on instruction from the government, though there may be "moral obligations" on the part of the Crown in other circumstances. Crown corporations are generally formed to fill a need that the federal or provincial government deems in the national interest or not profitable for private industry. Some Crown corporations are expected to be profitable organizations, while others are non-commercial and rely entirely on public funds to operate. Prior to
1798-495: The aircraft skidded off the runway in a controlled emergency landing. The Q400 was carrying 38 passengers, two infants, and four crew members on board. No injuries were reported. The next day, SAS permanently removed its entire Dash 8 Q400 fleet from service. In a press release on October 28, 2007, the company's president said: "Confidence in the Q400 has diminished considerably and our customers are becoming increasingly doubtful about flying in this type of aircraft. Accordingly, with
1860-671: The cabin, and the right engine caught fire. Of 69 passengers and four crew on board, 11 were sent to hospital, five with minor injuries. The accident was filmed by a local news channel (TV2-Nord) and broadcast live on national television. Three days later, on September 12, Scandinavian Airlines Flight 2748 from Copenhagen to Palanga had a similar problem with the landing gear, forcing the aircraft to land in Vilnius International Airport ( Lithuania ). No passengers or crew were injured. Immediately after this accident SAS grounded all 33 Q400 airliners in its fleet and,
1922-599: The construction of the Intercolonial Railway between them was one of the terms of the new constitution. The first section of this entirely government-owned railway was completed in 1872. Western Canada 's early railways were all run by privately owned companies backed by government subsidies and loans. By the early twentieth century, however, many of these had become bankrupt . The federal government nationalised several failing Western railways and combined them with its existing Intercolonial and other line in
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1984-510: The contract. It was eventually won by Airbus, which received an order for 34 A320 aircraft. Allegations of secret commissions paid to Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney are today known as the Airbus affair . Following its failure in the competition, Boeing immediately put de Havilland Canada up for sale. The company was eventually purchased by Bombardier in 1992. The market for new aircraft to replace existing turboprops once again grew in
2046-401: The corporation's budget and the appointment of its senior leadership through Orders-in-Council . Further, in the federal sphere, certain Crown corporations can be an agent or non-agent of the Crown. One with agent status is entitled to the same constitutional prerogatives, privileges, and immunities held by the Crown and can bind the Crown by its acts. The Crown is thus entirely responsible for
2108-552: The earlier part of the century, many British North American colonies that now comprise the Canadian federation had Crown corporations, often in the form of railways, such as the Nova Scotia Railway , since there was limited private capital available for such endeavours. When three British colonies joined to create the Canadian federation in 1867, these railways were transferred to the new central government. As well,
2170-431: The engines, a stouter T-tail and had a passenger capacity of 68–90. The Series 400 uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines rated at 4,850 shp (3,620 kW). The aircraft has a cruise speed of 360 knots (667 km/h), which is 60–90 knots (111–166 km/h) higher than its predecessors. The maximum operating altitude is 25,000 ft (7,600 m) for the standard version, although a version with drop-down oxygen masks
2232-441: The entire Dash 8 program and the de Havilland brand from Bombardier, in a deal that would close by the second half of 2019. Viking had already acquired the discontinued de Havilland Canada aircraft model type certificates in 2006. By November 2018, the sales of the higher-performance Q400 were slower than the cheaper aircraft from ATR . Bombardier announced the sale was for $ 300 million and expected $ 250 million net. The sale
2294-591: The excesses of the previous open market which had led to calls for prohibition in the first place. Virtually all the provinces used this system at one point. The largest of these government liquor businesses, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (founded 1927), was by 2008 one of the world's largest alcohol retailers. Resource and utility crown corporations also emerged at this time, notably Ontario Hydro and Alberta Government Telephones in 1906, and SaskTel in 1908. Provincial governments also re-entered
2356-499: The factory lease expired in 2023. On February 17, 2021, DHC announced a pause in production, planned for the second half of 2021, due to a lack of Dash 8 orders from airlines. The manufacturer planned to vacate its Downsview Toronto facility and lay off 500 employees in the process. The lay-off notice resulted in Unifor , the union representing the workers, demanding a government bail-out. The company planned to restart production after
2418-418: The federal government. In Canada, Crown corporations within either the federal or provincial level are owned by the Crown as the institution's sole legal shareholder . This follows the legal premise that the monarch , as the personification of Canada , owns all state property. Established by an Act of Parliament , each corporation is ultimately accountable to (federal or provincial) Parliament through
2480-414: The federal level. Not only the federal government was involved, but also the provinces, who were in engaged in an era of " province building " (expanding the reach and importance of the provincial governments) around this time. The prototypical example is Hydro-Québec , founded in 1944 and now Canada's largest electricity generator and the world's largest producer of hydro-electricity. It is widely seen as
2542-551: The formation of Crown corporations as presently understood, much of what later became Canada was settled and governed by a similar type of entity called a chartered company . These companies were established by a royal charter by the Scottish , English , or French crown, but were owned by private investors. They fulfilled the dual roles of promoting government policy abroad and making a return for shareholders. Certain companies were mainly trading businesses, but some were given
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2604-550: The market was not as robust as in the 1980s when the first Dash 8s were introduced, 2007 had increased sales of the only two 40+ seat regional turboprops still in western production, Bombardier's Q400 and its competitor, the ATR series of 50– to 70-seat turboprops. The Q400 has a cruising speed close to that of most regional jets, and its mature engines and systems require less frequent maintenance, reducing its disadvantage. The aircraft has been delivered in four series. The Series 100 has
2666-517: The mid-1990s, and DHC responded with the improved "Series 400" design. All Dash 8s delivered from the second quarter of 1996 (including all Series 400s) include the Active Noise and Vibration System designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration levels to nearly those of jet airliners. To emphasize their quietness, Bombardier renamed the go-forward production of Dash 8 models as the "Q"-Series turboprops (Q200, Q300, and Q400). The last Dash 8-100,
2728-482: The mid-century. The federal Post Office Department became a Crown corporation as Canada Post Corporation in 1981, and Canada's export credit agency , Export Development Canada , was created in 1985. Perhaps the most controversial was Petro-Canada , Canada's short-lived attempt to create a national oil Crown corporation , founded in 1975. The heyday of Crown corporations ended in the late 1980s, and there has been much privatisation since that time, particularly at
2790-524: The more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123 engines rated at 2,150 shp (1,600 kW). In 2000, its unit cost was US$ 12 million. The Series 300 introduced a longer airframe that was stretched 3.43 metres (11.3 ft) over the Series 100/200 and has a passenger capacity of 50–56. The Series 300 also used the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123 engines. Rated engine power is between 2,380 shp (1,774 kW) and 2,500 shp (1,864 kW). Design service life
2852-500: The most important businesses in the mid-20th-century economy of Canada, such Air Canada , the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Via Rail , and Marine Atlantic . Provincial Crown corporations also re-emerged in the early 20th century, most notably in the selling of alcohol. Government monopoly liquor stores were seen as a compromise between the recently ended era of Prohibition in Canada and
2914-630: The new PW100 series engines for the role, more than doubling the power from its PT6 . Originally designated the PT7A-2R engine, it later became the PW120. When the Dash 8 rolled out on April 19, 1983, more than 3,800 hours of testing had been accumulated over two years on five PW100 series test engines. The Dash 8 first flight was on June 20, 1983. Certification of the PW120 followed on December 16, 1983. The airliner entered service in 1984 with NorOntair , and Piedmont Airlines , formerly Henson Airlines,
2976-581: The newly formed De Havilland Canada (DHC) taking control of the Dash 8 program, including servicing the previous -100, -200, and -300 series. Production of the Q400 was planned to continue at the Downsview, Toronto production facility, under DHC's management. De Havilland was considering a 50-seat shrink, as North American airlines operate 870 ageing 50-seaters, mostly CRJs and Embraer ERJs . There were 17 Dash 8s scheduled for delivery in 2021, and De Havilland planned to pause production after those, while
3038-458: The pandemic at a new location. In July 2022, DHC announced that it would review the Dash 8 programme and supply chain later in the year, and could restart production in the middle of the decade if conditions allowed. The Calgary site, where the company produced DHC-6 Twin Otters , was originally envisioned as the venue for Dash 8 production. Per a property transaction made by Bombardier prior to
3100-508: The public that otherwise would not be economically viable as a private enterprise or that do not fit exactly within the scope of any ministry. They are involved in everything from the distribution, use, and price of certain goods and services to energy development, resource extraction, public transportation, cultural promotion, and property management . As of 2022 , there were 47 federal Crown corporations in Canada. Provinces and territories operate their own Crown corporations independently of
3162-494: The railway business as in Northern Alberta Railways in 1925 and what later became BC Rail in 1918. A notable anomaly of this era is Canada's only provincially owned "bank" (though not called that for legal reasons) Alberta Treasury Branches , created in 1937. The Bank of Canada , originally privately owned, became a Crown corporation in 1938. New crown Corporations were also created throughout much of
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#17327986743963224-516: The rearward-folding landing gear , and the pointed nose profile. The Dash 8 design has better cruise performance than the Dash 7, is less expensive to operate, and is much less expensive to maintain, due largely to having only two engines. It is a little noisier than the Dash 7 and cannot match the STOL performance of its earlier DHC forebears, although it is still able to operate from small airports with runways 3,000 ft (910 m) long, compared to
3286-556: The relevant minister in Cabinet , though they are "shielded from constant government intervention and legislative oversight" and thus "generally enjoy greater freedom from direct political control than government departments." Crown corporations are distinct from "departmental corporations" such as the Canada Revenue Agency . Crown corporations have a long-standing presence in the country and have been instrumental in its formation. They can provide services required by
3348-549: The term public agency is used to describe "boards, commissions, tribunals or other organizations established by government, but not part of a government department." Crown corporations in Manitoba are supported by Manitoba Crown Services . Crown corporations in Ontario are referred to as Crown agencies . A Crown agency includes any board, commission, railway, public utility, university, factory, company or agency that
3410-431: The withdrawal of the type from the airline's fleet. On September 9, 2007, the crew of SAS Flight 1209, en route from Copenhagen to Aalborg , reported problems with the locking mechanism of the right side landing gear, and Aalborg Airport was prepared for an emergency landing. Shortly after touchdown, the right main gear collapsed and the airliner skidded off the runway while fragments of the right propeller shot against
3472-575: The world's largest land owner, at one point overseeing 7,770,000 km (3,000,000 sq mi), territories that today incorporate the provinces of Manitoba , Saskatchewan and Alberta , as well as Nunavut , the Northwest Territories , and Yukon . The HBC were often the point of first contact between the colonial government and First Nations . By the late 19th century, however, the HBC lost its monopoly over Rupert's Land and became
3534-509: Was developed from the Dash 7 with improved cruise performance and lower operational costs, but without STOL performance. The Dash 8 was offered in four sizes: the initial Series 100 (1984–2005), the more powerful Series 200 (1995–2009) with 37–40 seats, the Series 300 (1989–2009) with 50–56 seats, and Series 400 (1999–2022) with 68–90 seats. The QSeries (Q for quiet) are post-1997 variants fitted with active noise control systems. Per
3596-462: Was projected by Bombardier to result in $ 250 million annual savings. In January 2019, Longview announced that it would establish a new company in Ontario, reviving the de Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada name, to continue production of the Q400 and support the Dash 8 range. By February, the program sale was expected to close at the end of September. On June 3, 2019, the sale was closed with
3658-473: Was still studying the issue, at least a three-year delay was envisioned. In October 2012, a joint development deal with a government-led South Korean consortium was revealed, to develop a 90-seater turboprop regional airliner, targeting a 2019 launch date. The consortium was to have included Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air Lines . At the February 2016 Singapore Airshow , Bombardier announced
3720-429: Was still studying the prospects of designing the Q400X and talking with potential customers. At the time, Bombardier was not as committed to the Q400X as it had been previously. In May 2011, Bombardier was still strongly committed to the stretch but envisioned it more likely as a 2015 or later launch. The launch date was complicated by new powerplants from GE and PWC to be introduced in 2016. In February 2012, Bombardier
3782-402: Was studying a 90-seat stretch. In June 2009, Bombardier commercial aircraft president Gary Scott indicated that the Q400X would be "definitely part of our future" for possible introduction in 2013–14, although he did not detail the size of the proposed version or commit to an introduction date. In July 2010, Bombardier's vice president, Phillipe Poutissou, made comments explaining the company
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#17327986743963844-467: Was the first US customer the same year. In 1986, Boeing bought the company in a bid to improve production at DHC's Downsview Airport plants, believing the shared production in Canada would further strengthen their bargaining position with the Canadian government for a new Air Canada order for large intercontinental airliners. Air Canada was a crown corporation at the time, and both Boeing and Airbus were competing heavily via political channels for
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