Viking Air
Viking Air was a Canadian aircraft manufacturer and aviation services company known for supporting legacy de Havilland Canada aircraft and restarting production of the DHC-6 Twin Otter.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Viking Air Ltd. was a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, aircraft-parts supplier, and aviation-services company based at Victoria International Airport in North Saanich, British Columbia. Founded in 1970 by Norwegian-born Canadian aviation pioneer Nils Christensen, the company initially specialized in aircraft overhaul, maintenance, modification, and conversion work, with particular expertise in flying boats and utility aircraft. Its early business developed around the practical needs of operators using aging aircraft in remote, maritime, and bush-flying environments. A major turning point came in 1983, when Viking obtained exclusive rights from de Havilland Canada to manufacture spare parts for, and distribute, the DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter. This gave Viking a durable position in the aftermarket for two iconic Canadian utility aircraft. Christensen retired as president in 1987, but the company continued to expand its technical and commercial role in the de Havilland ecosystem. In May 2005, Viking purchased Bombardier Aerospace's parts and service business for older de Havilland Canada aircraft. In February 2006, it acquired the type certificates for the discontinued DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and DHC-7 Dash 7. These acquisitions gave Viking the legal and technical authority to support the aircraft fleet and, where commercially viable, manufacture new examples. The transaction effectively positioned Viking as the custodian of a substantial part of Canada's historic utility-aircraft portfolio. Viking subsequently moved beyond parts and support into new production. In 2007 it announced the restart of DHC-6 Twin Otter production, nearly two decades after the model had been discontinued. The resulting Series 400 incorporated more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34/35 engines, updated systems, a modern digital flight deck, and revised cabin and payload capabilities. The first Series 400 technical demonstrator flew in 2008, followed by the first production aircraft in 2010. Viking also offered the DHC-2T Turbo Beaver, a remanufactured Beaver upgraded with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop engine. The company expanded its portfolio through additional type-certificate and program acquisitions. These included the Trident TR-1 Trigull program and, in 2016, Bombardier's worldwide amphibious-aircraft program covering the CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 waterbombers. Viking and its parent organization explored reviving production of the waterbombers and later developed the DHC-515 Firefighter program, formerly associated with the CL-515 designation. The planned aircraft was intended to combine the established firefighting role of the CL-215 and CL-415 with modern avionics and systems. Viking's parent company, Longview Aviation Capital, acquired Bombardier's Dash 8 program and the de Havilland brand in a transaction announced in 2018 and completed in 2019. The acquisition reunited the major de Havilland Canada type certificates under a common ownership structure and substantially expanded Longview's industrial footprint. A new De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada was established to continue Dash 8 activities, while Viking remained part of the broader group during a period of brand consolidation. In February 2022, Longview consolidated Viking Air and related aviation businesses under the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada identity. Viking Air's separate corporate existence ended on 1 August 2024, when it was amalgamated into Longview Aviation Capital together with sister company De Havilland Canada. The surviving operation uses the De Havilland Canada name, while retaining Viking's former facilities in North Saanich and associated facilities in Calgary. Viking is therefore a defunct standalone company, although its aircraft programs, technical capabilities, facilities, and organizational legacy continue within De Havilland Canada.
History
Viking Air was established in 1970 at Victoria International Airport by Nils Christensen, a Norwegian-born Canadian aviation pioneer. The company began as an overhaul, maintenance, and aircraft-conversion business. Its early specialization was flying boats and other aircraft used in demanding utility, remote, and maritime operations. This technical orientation shaped Viking's later identity as a provider of lifecycle support rather than simply a conventional new-aircraft manufacturer. In 1983, Viking acquired exclusive rights from de Havilland Canada to manufacture spare parts for and distribute the DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter. These rights connected the company to two of Canada's best-known bush aircraft and created a long-term aftermarket business. Christensen retired as president in 1987. Viking continued to maintain and support older aircraft while developing expertise in parts production, overhaul work, and aircraft upgrades. The company made its most consequential expansion in 2005 and 2006. In May 2005, it acquired Bombardier Aerospace's parts and service business for older de Havilland Canada aircraft. On 24 February 2006, it purchased the type certificates for the DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter, and DHC-7 Dash 7. Type-certificate ownership allowed Viking to provide authoritative technical support, manufacture replacement parts, and retain the option of producing new aircraft if demand justified it. In April 2007, Viking announced that it would restart DHC-6 Twin Otter production after the model had been out of production for approximately nineteen years. The Series 400 used more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34/35 engines and incorporated updated equipment. A technical demonstrator first flew at Victoria International Airport on 1 October 2008. The first production Series 400 aircraft flew in February 2010 with a Honeywell Primus Apex digital flight deck and a commuter-oriented interior. The aircraft was designed for the short takeoff and landing, passenger, cargo, and special-mission roles associated with the Twin Otter family. Viking also developed the DHC-2T Turbo Beaver, a remanufactured Beaver fitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop engine. The company considered restarting DHC-5 Buffalo production and proposed a modernized aircraft with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 engines, a glass cockpit, enhanced vision, and night-vision-goggle capability. The proposed Buffalo replacement was not selected for the Royal Canadian Air Force requirement, which went to the Airbus Defence and Space C-295 in the 2016 assessment. Viking broadened its program portfolio through further acquisitions. It acquired the type certificate and prototypes for the Trident TR-1 Trigull and later purchased Bombardier's amphibious-aircraft program, including the CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 waterbombers. In 2017, the company began discussions with potential customers about reviving CL-415 production. In 2018, five CL-415EAF aircraft were sold to Bridger Aerospace for conversion and firefighting operations. In 2022, Viking and De Havilland Canada announced the DHC-515 Firefighter program, intended as a modern successor within the established Canadian waterbomber lineage. Longview Aviation Capital, Viking's parent company, acquired Bombardier's Dash 8 program and the de Havilland brand in a deal announced in November 2018 and completed in 2019. The acquisition returned the major de Havilland Canada aircraft programs to one corporate group. Longview created De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada to continue Dash 8 production and related activities, while Viking remained associated with the group's aircraft-support and manufacturing operations. The group consolidated its aviation brands in February 2022, rebranding Viking Air and related businesses under the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada identity. On 1 August 2024, Viking Air was amalgamated into Longview Aviation Capital together with sister company De Havilland Canada. The surviving business operates under the De Havilland Canada name and continues to use Viking's former North Saanich facilities, while Calgary facilities support aircraft assembly and related programs.
- 2024
Standalone Viking Air entity ends
[1]Viking Air is amalgamated into Longview Aviation Capital and its operations continue under the De Havilland Canada name.
- 2022
DHC-515 Firefighter program announced
[1]De Havilland Canada, under Viking's ownership structure, announces the planned DHC-515 waterbomber program.
- 2019
Longview completes Dash 8 acquisition
[1]Longview Aviation Capital completes its acquisition of Bombardier's Dash 8 program and the de Havilland brand.
- 2016
Amphibious-aircraft program acquired
[1]Viking acquires Bombardier's CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 program and type certificates.
- 2010
First production Twin Otter Series 400 flies
[1]The first new-production Series 400 aircraft makes its first flight with updated engines, avionics, and cabin equipment.
- 2008
Series 400 demonstrator flies
[1]The DHC-6-400 technical demonstrator completes its first flight at Victoria International Airport.
- 2007
Twin Otter production restart announced
[1]Viking announces the return of the DHC-6 Twin Otter in upgraded Series 400 form.
- 2006
DHC-1 through DHC-7 type certificates acquired
[1]Viking acquires type certificates for seven discontinued de Havilland Canada aircraft designs.
- 2005
Legacy de Havilland parts business acquired
[1]Viking purchases Bombardier Aerospace's parts and service business for older de Havilland Canada aircraft.
- 1983
Rights for Beaver and Otter support acquired
[1]Viking obtains exclusive rights from de Havilland Canada to manufacture spare parts for and distribute the DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter.
Products and positioning
A specialist Canadian aerospace company focused on rugged utility aircraft, lifecycle support, aftermarket parts, aircraft modernization, and the revival of established de Havilland Canada designs.
Utility aircraft · 2007
DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400
Viking's principal new-production aircraft program was the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400. The updated short-takeoff-and-landing utility aircraft used more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34/35 engines, modern avionics including the Honeywell Primus Apex digital flight deck, and revised passenger and cargo arrangements. It was positioned for commuter service, cargo transport, remote-area operations, special missions, and other roles requiring robust operation from short or unimproved runways.
Aircraft upgrade and remanufacture
DHC-2T Turbo Beaver
The DHC-2T Turbo Beaver was Viking's remanufactured and upgraded version of the classic DHC-2 Beaver. Its principal change was replacement of the original piston powerplant with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 turboprop rated at 680 horsepower. The conversion was intended to extend the operational life and improve the utility of Beaver aircraft used in bush, cargo, passenger, and amphibious operations.
Amphibious firefighting aircraft · 2016
CL-215 and CL-415 waterbombers
Viking acquired the worldwide amphibious-aircraft program for the CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415, including their type certificates. The program covered technical support, parts, upgrades, and exploration of renewed production for aircraft used in aerial firefighting. The acquisition also provided the foundation for later development of the DHC-515 Firefighter.
Amphibious firefighting aircraft · 2022
DHC-515 Firefighter
The DHC-515 Firefighter program was announced as a modernized successor within the CL-215 and CL-415 waterbomber family. Planned improvements included modern aircraft systems and avionics while preserving the water-scooping firefighting concept. Production and final assembly were planned for Calgary, and the program was reported to have letters of intent for an initial group of aircraft from European customers.
Brand decisions
2024
End the standalone Viking Air corporate identityStrategyBackground
Longview had consolidated its aviation brands under the De Havilland Canada identity in 2022.
Action taken
On 1 August 2024, Viking Air was amalgamated into Longview Aviation Capital together with sister company De Havilland Canada.
Aftermath
The surviving organization uses the De Havilland Canada name while retaining Viking's former facilities and continuing associated aircraft programs.
2022
Launch the DHC-515 Firefighter programProduct launchBackground
Viking and its parent group controlled the CL-215 and CL-415 waterbomber heritage and saw an opportunity to develop a modern aerial-firefighting aircraft.
Action taken
De Havilland Canada announced the DHC-515 Firefighter program, with planned production and final assembly in Calgary.
Aftermath
The program was reported to have letters of intent for the first 22 aircraft from European customers and was expected to support approximately 500 Calgary jobs.
2018
Longview acquires the Dash 8 program and de Havilland brandM&ABackground
Longview sought to expand beyond Viking's legacy-aircraft and utility-aircraft activities by acquiring Bombardier's Dash 8 program and the de Havilland brand.
Action taken
Longview announced the acquisition in November 2018 and completed it in 2019, establishing a broader Canadian aircraft-manufacturing group.
Aftermath
The deal reunited the principal de Havilland Canada type certificates under one ownership structure and led to the creation of De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada for Dash 8 activities.
Announced transaction value. C$300 million announced purchase price; Bombardier expected C$250 million net proceeds (2018)
2016
Acquire the Bombardier amphibious-aircraft programM&ABackground
Bombardier held the worldwide program and type certificates for the CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 waterbombers.
Action taken
Viking announced and completed the acquisition of the amphibious-aircraft program, adding waterbomber support and potential new production to its portfolio.
Aftermath
The transaction enabled Viking and Longview to pursue renewed waterbomber production, eventually leading to the DHC-515 Firefighter program.
2007
Restart the Twin OtterProduct launchBackground
Viking held the type certificate and support responsibility for the DHC-6 Twin Otter and identified renewed demand for a rugged short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft.
Action taken
The company announced a return to production with the upgraded DHC-6-400 Series, using more powerful engines and updated flight-deck equipment.
Aftermath
The Series 400 demonstrator flew in 2008 and the first production aircraft flew in 2010, making the Twin Otter Viking's best-known new-production aircraft.
Recent events
Longview suspends production of new Dash 8-400 and Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft[2]
Reported:
Longview Aviation Capital announced the immediate suspension of new Dash 8-400 aircraft production at De Havilland's Toronto facility and new Series 400 Twin Otter production at Viking's Victoria and Calgary facilities. Production was paused until further notice; the suspension applied only to new aircraft production.
Viking Air appoints Unity Aviation Canada as factory-endorsed service center[3]
Viking Air welcomed Unity Aviation Canada to its Series 400 Twin Otter support network as a Factory Endorsed Service Center for the Americas. Unity Aviation Canada will provide authorized maintenance, refurbishment, and warranty-related work.
Sources4 sources
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