Viking Air

Viking Air. A prominent Canadian aerospace company specializing in the manufacture, support, and conversion of utility aircraft, with a particular focus on continuing the legacy of the iconic de Havilland Canada designs. Headquartered in North Saanich, British Columbia, the firm has established itself as a global leader in the production of modernized turboprop aircraft for roles ranging from firefighting to maritime patrol. Its acquisition of the type certificates for the classic DHC-6 Twin Otter and other models solidified its position as a key player in the specialized aviation market.

History

The company was founded in 1970, initially providing parts and support for the out-of-production de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter. A pivotal moment occurred in 2005 when it acquired the type certificates from Bombardier Aerospace for the entire out-of-production line of de Havilland Canada aircraft, including the DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, and the DHC-6 Twin Otter. This strategic move allowed for the restart of production of the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400, with the first new aircraft delivered in 2010. In 2019, the parent corporation of Longview Aviation Capital consolidated its aerospace assets, including de Havilland Canada, under the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada brand, though operations continue from its Victoria International Airport facility.

Products and Services

Primary manufacturing activity centers on the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400, a modernized version of the legendary STOL aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engines and a glass flight deck. The company also manufactures the purpose-designed CL-415 and CL-515 superscooper aircraft, specialized for waterbombing. Beyond new production, it offers extensive product support, maintenance, and overhaul services for the legacy de Havilland Canada fleet. A significant service is the turboprop conversion of the piston-engine DHC-2 Beaver, known as the Turbo Beaver, and similar upgrades for the DHC-3 Otter.

Operations and Facilities

Its main manufacturing and final assembly operations are conducted at a facility adjacent to Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island. This site houses engineering, production, and completion centers for its aircraft lines. Key operational and support facilities are also maintained in Calgary, Alberta. The global product support network ensures parts availability and technical assistance for operators worldwide, particularly for the extensive fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft serving in remote and challenging environments from the Arctic to tropical regions.

Corporate Affairs

The company operates as a subsidiary within the aerospace portfolio of Longview Aviation Capital, a private Canadian investment firm. Following the corporate reorganization in 2019, its operations are aligned with the revived De Havilland Aircraft of Canada entity, though it retains its distinct identity for certain product lines and services. It actively collaborates with various government agencies, including the Department of National Defence (Canada), and partners with international firms like Marshall Aerospace for specialized aircraft completions and modifications.

Notable Projects and Aircraft

A landmark project was the revival and modernization of the DHC-6 Twin Otter, with new aircraft delivered to operators such as the Royal Canadian Air Force and Zimex Aviation. The development and production of the multi-role Viking Air CL-515, an advanced amphibious airtanker, represents a major technological achievement. The company has also completed specialized mission conversions, including maritime surveillance variants of the DHC-6 Twin Otter for the Philippine Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard. Furthermore, it supports unique legacy aircraft, including the sole airworthy de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou in Canada, operated by Air Spray.

Category:Aerospace companies of Canada Category:Companies based in British Columbia Category:Aircraft manufacturers of Canada