De Havilland Canada expands Canadair 515 production following strategic agreement

De Havilland Canada has announced a landmark agreement with the Government of Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC) that will enable the manufacturer to significantly expand production of its next-generation Canadair 515 (DHC-515) amphibious firefighting aircraft. Under the agreement, Canada and EDC have committed up to CAD 2.5 billion in financing, providing De Havilland Canada with the resources needed to accelerate aircraft production and introduce additional delivery slots to the market. The production increase is expected to begin in 2030, with the company ultimately doubling its current manufacturing capacity for the purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft.

The investment marks a major step forward for the DHC-515 program, which has attracted growing interest from governments and operators seeking modern solutions to combat increasingly frequent and severe wildfires around the world. By expanding production capacity, De Havilland Canada aims to deliver a greater number of waterbombers to customers sooner, helping strengthen global aerial firefighting capabilities.

To support the planned ramp-up, the company will recruit additional personnel and invest in manufacturing infrastructure across its Canadian operations, including facilities in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Kitchener, and Fort Erie. The expansion is also expected to generate new opportunities throughout the national aerospace supply chain, creating jobs across Canada from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia.

In parallel, De Havilland Canada will collaborate closely with suppliers involved in the DHC-515 program to accelerate the delivery of critical aircraft components and ensure production targets can be met efficiently.

The initiative is expected to bolster Canada's position as a leader in specialized aerial firefighting aircraft manufacturing while supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs nationwide.

The transaction remains subject to customary conditions, with completion anticipated during the first quarter of 2027.

With a legacy spanning nearly a century and more than 5,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, De Havilland Canada has established itself as one of the aviation industry's most respected manufacturers, recognized for producing robust, reliable aircraft backed by comprehensive customer support.

Serving operators across every continent, the company’s aircraft connect remote communities, regional centres, and major transportation networks, safely transporting millions of passengers and vital cargo each year.

Designed to perform in some of the world's most demanding environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft play a critical role in a wide range of specialized missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and humanitarian operations. Driven by a highly skilled Canadian workforce, the company continues to build on its heritage while shaping the future of regional and mission-focused aviation.