De Havilland Field Clears Major Hurdle for 2028 Aircraft Production Start

Work continues on the massive De Havilland Field manufacturing project east of Calgary, Alberta. The site will become the production hub and headquarters for the Canadian-based airplane manufacturer, De Havilland Canada.

Regulatory Clearance and Timeline

De Havilland’s vice-president of corporate affairs, Neil Sweeney, confirmed a major regulatory hurdle has been cleared. The company received government approval for the new runway design. This clearance helps advance the development of the 1,500-acre aerospace campus in Wheatland County.

At least a portion of the facility is now on track to be operational sometime in 2028. The full build-out of the new aircraft manufacturing plant is expected to take between 10 and 15 years. Phase one includes parts and distribution, parts manufacturing, aircraft assembly, and the new runway.

“We’ve moved our machinery and equipment onto the site already,” Sweeney stated. The initial phase will consolidate key operations into the new site near Strathmore.

Aircraft Programs and Economic Impact

The new facility will be the assembly home for two key De Havilland aircraft programs. This includes the new DHC-515 Firefighter, a modern water bomber. The CL-515 water bomber production is in high demand globally due to increasing wildfire severity.

De Havilland has already secured orders for more than two dozen DHC-515 aircraft from customers, including several European Union member states. The facility will also produce the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G. The popular Twin Otter operates in over a hundred countries worldwide, supporting utility and regional transport.

Job Creation and Community Planning

The project is a significant boost to the Western Canadian aerospace sector. The initial orders are expected to create approximately 500 jobs in Calgary. Ultimately, the full complex is expected to be home to 1,500 workers. This represents a major investment in skilled Canadian aerospace jobs. For more industry context, visit Boeing.

To support the influx of personnel, the company is working on building a residential community. This community will be just outside of Strathmore, offering employees housing options close to the field.

Industry Relevance

This aerospace production hub is a critical development for De Havilland Canada. It allows the company to ramp up production of its utility aircraft portfolio. The DHC-515 program is especially vital, addressing a global need for modern aerial firefighting capabilities. Customers in the European Union, a major market, rely on the program's success. The regulatory progress is a positive signal for the entire supply chain. It confirms the project is moving forward despite its complexity and scale. For the latest on global aviation regulations, consult resources like EASA. Stay informed on this and other developments in commercial aviation news.

• The facility is located on a 1,500-acre site in Wheatland County, east of Calgary.
• Government approval of the runway design was a key regulatory milestone.
• Initial operations are targeted for 2028, with full build-out taking 10-15 years.
• The plant will produce the DHC-515 Firefighter and the DHC-6 Twin Otter.