Air Transport

Canada's Viking Air is expecting to conduct the first flight of its DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 demonstrator next month after achieving power-on for the aircraft.

Viking Air, based in Victoria, resurrected production of the 19-seat de Havilland Canada aircraft last year.

It has modernised the type with Honeywell Primus Apex avionics and the aircraft is fitted with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines.

"While switching on the power may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things, it's actually a significant step in the design certification process," says Viking chief David Curtis, adding that the power-on "infuses life" into the programme.

Deliveries of the Series 400 are set to begin in summer next year.