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Press Release | Avincis and De Havilland Canada sign agreement for supply, maintenance and modifications on waterbomber fleets in Europe and Morocco

Media Contacts:

Daisy Omissi
Group Director of Communications
Avincis
T: +351 910 392 550
E: daisy.omissi@avincis.com

Jody Moseley
De Havilland Canada
E:communications@dehavilland.com

AVINCIS | FLICKR

26 March, 2026 – Lisbon, Portugal: De Havilland Canada and Avincis have signed an agreement for customer-focused initiatives in support of the CL-215, CL-215T, CL-415 and the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aircraft in Europe and Morocco, where Avincis will be one of De Havilland’s key suppliers and partners available to customers for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services in those regions.

The agreement means that De Havilland will be able to leverage Avnicis’ engineering and certification expertise to develop supplemental type certificates (STCs) design and obsolescence modifications for the family of CL aircraft.

In addition, Avincis-led modification opportunities will be developed in partnership with De Havilland Canada for waterbomber aircraft for customers, which will subsequently be included in De Havilland’s aftermarket parts catalogue.

In preparation for this increased activity, Avincis is designing a new dedicated hangar precinct on its site at Albacete airport in Spain where there will be additional capacity for aircraft maintenance and modification work.

John Boag, Avincis Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud that De Havilland has chosen us as a partner for MRO and modifications in Europe and Morocco. This is a testament to our robust MRO network and capability in Europe where we are the largest provider of emergency aerial services. It also reflects the experience we have built up over 20 years of operating and maintaining the world’s largest fleet of 23 Canadairs.”

“We are very pleased to be working more closely with Avincis. They bring deep experience with the CL aircraft and have a strong presence in Europe, making them an excellent fit for us,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “This partnership strengthens our global network while helping us better support operators, advance our waterbomber fleet, and accelerate the introduction of select DHC-515 solutions to our CL-415 operators through this STC process.”

About Avincis:
As the largest provider of emergency aerial services in Europe – with additional operations in Africa and South America – Avincis’ areas of focus are helicopter emergency medical services, air ambulance, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, as well as dedicated aerial transport and medevac for offshore energy. Operating from more than 190 bases across Chile, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Italy, Mozambique, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, the company oversees operations from its headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal. With a fleet of approximately 210 aircraft (helicopters ~170 and aeroplanes ~40), Avincis counts on a team of more than 2,500 talented professionals, including experienced pilots, crews, technicians, and support teams to deliver its unique service. With more than six decades of experience in the sector, Avincis has been instrumental in saving lives and protecting communities in some of the most challenging and remote environments on earth.
Find out more at: www.avincis.com

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, proudly designing, building, and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft we produce creates high-value jobs, strengthens our national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy. 

Built in Canada. Made for the world
With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Our aircraft connect people and places—from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs—carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year. 
Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation. 

Discover more at: www.dehavilland.com

John Boag, Avincis Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud that De Havilland has chosen us as a partner for MRO and modifications in Europe and Morocco. This is a testament to our robust MRO network and capability in Europe where we are the largest provider of emergency aerial services.” _________ “We are very pleased to be working more closely with Avincis. They bring deep experience with the CL aircraft and have a strong presence in Europe, making them an excellent fit for us,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada.

John Boag, Avincis Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are proud that De Havilland has chosen us as a partner for MRO and modifications in Europe and Morocco. This is a testament to our robust MRO network and capability in Europe where we are the largest provider of emergency aerial services.” _________ “We are very pleased to be working more closely with Avincis. They bring deep experience with the CL aircraft and have a strong presence in Europe, making them an excellent fit for us,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada.

Media Contacts:

Daisy Omissi
Group Director of Communications
Avincis
T: +351 910 392 550
E: daisy.omissi@avincis.com

Jody Moseley
De Havilland Canada
E:communications@dehavilland.com

AVINCIS | FLICKR