Farnborough – October 18, 2026 -- De Havilland Canada signed a letter of intent with Maldivian, the Maldives' national airline Island Aviation Services Limited, for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow. The order would mark the first Classic 300-G deliveries to the Maldives, the world's largest Twin Otter operating market.
Island Aviation Services would become first Classic 300-G operator in the Maldives
The deal covers two aircraft. Island Aviation Services Limited links Malé with communities, resorts and remote islands across the Maldivian archipelago. The airline says the new aircraft will strengthen its service while supporting tourism and regional transportation growth.
Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited, said the airline will be the first in the country to introduce the type, and that the aircraft's technological and operational enhancements will help it maintain dependable service.
Weight reduction lifts passenger and cargo capacity on the 300-G
De Havilland Canada says the Classic 300-G retains the short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance of earlier Twin Otters. It adds modern avionics, enhanced passenger comfort and improved maintainability. Significant weight reduction creates additional passenger and cargo capacity, which the manufacturer says strengthens operating economics and supports reduced operating costs.
Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales at De Havilland Canada, described the Maldives as the natural place to introduce the next generation of the aircraft, given its status as the largest Twin Otter market.
Twin Otter production exceeds 1,000 aircraft across Arctic, mountain and island operations
More than 1,000 Twin Otters have been produced, accumulating millions of flight hours worldwide. The aircraft operates in environments from Arctic communities and mountain regions to tropical island destinations. In the Maldives, it has served for decades as the backbone of inter-island transportation.
The agreement is a letter of intent, not a firm order. No delivery schedule or financial terms were disclosed.